Cone Health nurses return home to Triad from western North Carolina

(WGHP) — Without thinking twice, Cone Health registered nurses Natosha Wheatley and Tijen Rivers
Saw the devastation in western North Carolina and hit the road.

Their destination was Haywood Regional Medical Center located in the town of Clyde just west of Asheville.

“Heading up there, I was nervous because you saw a lot of trees that were down and a lot of emergency service workers that were in transit that were back and forth,” Rivers said.

While the surrounding area was devasted, inside the hospital, the two nurses treated storm victims.

“We encountered a few kids who were enjoying being out of school but also mentioned they miss some of their friends,” Wheatley said.

While patients lost everything, some nurses at the hospital did as well.

“They experienced the hurricane just like the patients they treat … Yet they come to work and put a smile on,” Wheatley said.

Though they’re back in the Triad, both nurses say they’re planning on going back.

“If they extend the contract through November, hopefully, I’ll be able to go back up,” Rivers said.

Both registered nurses spent two days at the Haywood Regional Medical Center.

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