When the wildfires swept through Los Angeles County, wreaking havoc on communities and uprooting lives, one nurse stood out for her unwavering dedication and skill: Shamika Ossey

. As an emergency preparedness public health nurse for LA County since 2012, Ossey’s experience, leadership, and compassion shone brightly in the darkest times. We are proud to honor Shamika Ossey as our Nurse of the Week for her extraordinary contributions.

A Steady Hand in the Face of Disaster

Ossey’s role in the disaster response effort began at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in West Los Angeles at the UCLA Research Park West. This hub served as a crucial resource for displaced residents in desperate need of support. Ossey quickly took charge, assisting individuals with reconnecting to their essential medications—a lifeline for many amidst the chaos.

“It was a one-stop shop for residents that have been affected by the wildfires,” Ossey explained. “Specifically, our role was medication assistance. We were helping those individuals reconnect with their prescribed medications—getting a prescription transferred to a different pharmacy or connecting them with tele-help to get new medication. Some don’t have a primary care doctor, so we’re able to get them a telehealth appointment.”

In the midst of a crisis, Ossey exemplified the critical thinking and adaptability that make nurses the backbone of emergency response. Whether coordinating prescriptions or facilitating telehealth appointments, she helped restore stability for evacuees thrust into uncertainty.

Bringing Expertise to the Community

Ossey’s impact extended beyond the recovery center. She participated in two pivotal community meetings for fire victims—one in West Los Angeles for Pacific Palisades residents and another in Pasadena for Altadena evacuees. Her presence at these meetings provided critical information, resources, and reassurance to those affected by the fires.

“Both meetings were well-attended,” Ossey shared. “At the Eaton Fire community meeting, they even had monitors in the lobby so people could listen. We provided health information and respirators and also did consultations. People will ask for specific information—if they’re returning home, they want to know what they should be concerned about.”

Her ability to connect with people during their most vulnerable moments is a testament to her compassionate nature and dedication to public health.

Leadership on the Front Lines

Ossey’s assignment at the Malibu/Pacific Palisades Repopulation Checkpoint demonstrated her leadership and logistical acumen. Managing operations on a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway presented unique challenges, from remote locations to the need for constant vigilance and safety precautions.

“I’ll be the lead at the Malibu checkpoint,” Ossey said. “We’ll be working in the open outside, pretty much on a highway. Knowing what the needs are ahead of time helps—like bathrooms. Because we’ll be in an area where those are remote, staff will need to drive to get there. And it shouldn’t be just one person working—it should be a team for when people need a break. We will be standing and walking a line of cars. It’s not a community center. We need to make sure our safety is primary because we don’t want to get injured in the process.”

Ossey’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety of her team and the community highlights her commitment to excellence and teamwork, even under the most demanding conditions.

A Personal Connection to the Crisis

The wildfires hit home for Ossey in more ways than one. Her son, who has asthma, was hospitalized due to poor air quality during the fires—a stark reminder of the personal toll disasters take on first responders. Yet Ossey continued her work with the same dedication and resolve that make her an inspiration to her peers.

She was also reminded of the lasting impact of her work through a touching moment with a colleague and fellow union member who had lost her home in the fires.

“One of our nurses—she’s a Chair—lost everything,” Ossey said. “She only had the clothes in a go-bag that she was able to put together. This nurse said, ‘All I could think of was what I had learned at CERT. I thought about you when I was grabbing my stuff leaving the house. I couldn’t see anything and knew I had to leave.’ It was a few years ago that she took that training. It helps us to know that what we do does matter. She knew what to have and what to grab in her bag for her and her family.”

Why Shamika Ossey Deserves This Honor

Shamika Ossey embodies the best qualities of nursing: resilience, compassion, leadership, and the ability to provide clarity in the midst of chaos. Her contributions during the LA County wildfires remind us of nurses’ critical role in disaster response and recovery.

By offering both practical solutions and emotional support, Ossey made a profound difference in the lives of countless fire victims. Her unwavering commitment to her community and her team exemplifies the spirit of nursing and makes her more than deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations to Shamika Ossey, our Nurse of the Week, for her remarkable efforts and unwavering dedication.

Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.

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