January 18, 2023

Newell District
Watchwell P.A
St.Elizabeth

Matron Ms. Maria Stamp,

Matron Ms. Ingrid Stephens
Black River Hospital
45 High Street, Black River
Dear Ms. Stamp and Ms. Stephens,
I am writing this letter requesting to be placed, if at all possible, on 7-3pm and 2-10pm shifts
respectively. Currently, I have been faced with numerous challenges as it relates to the graveyard
shift (10pm to 7am). Being a single mother who has a child diagnosed with Hydrocephalus is
both physically and mentally taxing. He requires immense attention, financial dependence and a
strong support system. My mother was my tower of strength and offered enormous assistance
while I was at work. Unfortunately, she passed away.

The night duties also affect my sleep/wake cycle as I become drowsy, fatigued, weak and
decrease my ability to focus. Therefore, I am not able to adequately care for my child or focus on
my nursing duties. It is my foremost responsibility to provide the highest quality care attainable
to the patients placed in my care. I have had to make numerous visits to private physicians
because these duties have been detrimental to my health.

Due to my son’s special needs, many persons are unwilling to care for him as they lack
understanding about the nature of the condition and some are afraid they may cause harm to his
development. Recently, I have found helpers who are willing to assist with my son but they also
find difficulty with night duties because I have to travel quite a distance to get to their homes. As
a result, my child is more susceptible to colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses. In addition, the
caregiver expressed challenges such as irregular sleep-wake syndrome. Thank you for your
consideration.

Yours truly,

_____________

Krysta Powell