MRC Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon G. Wetzler, Part 1

This week, MRC News & Notes talked with long–time volunteer Sharon Wetzler, RN BSN MSN ARNP, about her service with the MRC and disaster preparedness. Sharon has a professional history in disaster management. She retired from the Air Force in 2007 but continues to teach nursing at State College of Florida in addition to her volunteer duties with MRC Sarasota.

Read the first part of her interview below:

Why did you choose to volunteer with the MRC?
I initially got involved during the summer in 2005 when FL experienced four hurricanes.  I saw the call for medical volunteers on the television, and so I volunteered. My nursing experience includes advanced practice as a nurse practitioner, critical care, operating room and military nurse training. Wherever the need existed, I was willing to help the people of our community.  

Shortly thereafter, I went on to become fully credentialed in the MRC. Although still working full time teaching nursing, I miss my military involvement and the many opportunities to pursue ongoing training. The MRC training offered a way for me to reconnect to that in order to update and maintain my disaster background in an active community role.

Tell us about a time you were called to serve in the MRC.
In 2005, I served in a Port Charlotte hurricane shelter for a week following the disaster.  It was heartbreaking to hear the people cry in despair and see the devastation on their face as they told of their experience in losing their homes, clothing, medications, memorabilia, etc. I just did whatever possible to provide both emotional and physical comfort and consultation. I also recruited my husband, a retired insurance provider for many years, to offer his expertise as best he could. That experience inspired me to become an MRC member. Serving in the MRC is very much like serving in the military. No words can describe the confidence of being well prepared to serve in any venue, be it disaster or wellness.  The MRC provides just that for me with training, practice, opportunities and a chance to be of service.

I haven’t been called for any disasters since the hurricanes, although I believe some members were on alert to respond in areas where floods occurred more recently. My work schedule prevents me from being as active as I would like at the moment, but I plan on becoming much more active upon retirement within the next few years. Over the past few years, here have been recent opportunities for my service with such events as administering flu shots, manning a booth at a health fair for blood pressures readings/blood sugar testing and performing elementary school physicals within the community.  For that I am grateful.

The MRC provides…me with training, practice, opportunities and a chance to be of service.

 What do you value most about being a MRC volunteer?
Probably the ability to provide medical and nursing care to those in need. I think the community deserves to benefit from members who have the ability to offer individual qualities, experience and expertise. I like sharing my skills in a way that helps the community. It’s a win-win situation for me.

The time I spent in the shelter following the hurricanes was a valuable learning experience. I discovered how many volunteers are needed and welcomed. People that can help in so many ways…..such as….. to fold laundry, unload trucks, set up cots, serve and prepare meals, listen, make phone calls, answer questions, and generally reduce anxiety just to mention a few . There’s a team effort required in all events in order to achieve order and calmness. As a medical volunteer, I saw the need for all the hands I could get on board as we worked together to provide people in need with the basic fundamentals of survival in a safe environment.  I think everyone should take a look at how and what they can provide to their community at any given time of need.

The above is just the first part of Sharon’s interview. Read Part 2 for her #1 disaster preparation tip and more!