Photo by Julie Keefe

Earlier this week, I received an e-mail from Bernard Nnoli, RN, seen on the left of this photo. He is Charge Nurse of the team I work with, alternate weekends on the inpatient Psychiatry unit at OHSU. Also pictured, Sadie Hanks, RN, who joined our staff a few years ago after working at Hooper Detox, and Russ Perkins, Mental Health Therapist. I've worked with Russ for over 22 years. Michelle and Garrett, who were working and couldn't be in the photograph but are staunch Amanda Supporters, round out our six-person team.

Bernard wrote to tell me that my coworkers at OHSU are thinking of and praying for me, that they miss me during my leave of absence, and that many staff members are working tirelessly to tell their friends and neighbors about my campaign. He signed the note, "Your PM crew."

Several weeks ago, a card arrived in my home mailbox with handwriting I recognized instantly, but hadn't seen for two decades. It was from Karen, one of the nurses I supervised and worked alongside when I was one of the clinical managers at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

"We're having a reunion of the best team there ever was on 2-9200", she wrote. "The years you were with us set the bar, and I'm getting everyone from that era together for brunch. I got your address from Pat, and I found your blog - it's great! We'd love it if you drop everything and come to the party, but if you can't we'll call and put you on the speakerphone."

Taking the weekend off didn't seem like a viable option in the last month of the campaign, so we talked by phone as they partied that Sunday morning. I could hear the enthusiasm in each voice as the phone was passed around. A dozen or so coworkers who still love me, 22 years after I moved here to Portland, and I them.

Some people ask me why being a Registered Nurse prepares me to serve on the Portland City Council. Of course, my community involvement experience, including seven years' service on the Planning Commission, is more relevant. But nurses work hard. We help people identify problems and figure out ways to solve them, to live happier, healthier lives. We pay attention to details that can make the difference between life and death. We focus on the needs of the person, putting aside individual caregivers' opinions to implement treatment plans decided by the Care Management Team - which includes the patient. We understand that providing good care depends on a cohesive, positive team that models a highly functional family.

That's the kind of leadership I want to provide in City Hall.