FORT POLK, La.  –   The emergency department at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is more than a place for urgent medical care — it’s a cornerstone of readiness for Soldiers, Families and the broader Fort Polk community. During Emergency Nurses Week, observed Oct. 6–12, BJACH recognizes the nurses who provide calm, capable care amid the chaos of crisis.

Maj. Tynika B. Reese, clinical nurse officer in charge of the emergency department, said adaptability, composure and teamwork define Army emergency nursing.

“Adaptability and composure are everything,” Reese said. “You can teach skills, but you can’t teach heart, and our nurses have that in spades. Whether it’s in a trauma bay or a field environment, they think critically, act decisively and bring compassion into every situation.”

Reese said her team’s expertise directly supports the Army’s readiness mission.

“We’re often the first stop when something goes wrong, so our job is about more than treating emergencies — it’s about keeping Soldiers and Families healthy, informed and confident in their care,” she said. “When they know they can depend on us, it builds trust in the whole system. That trust allows Soldiers to focus fully on the mission.”

A Ready Team for a Ready Force

From heat-related injuries during field training to pediatric emergencies and community care, BJACH’s emergency nurses handle every case with a mission-first mindset. Each nurse understands that clinical excellence under pressure enables the operational readiness of the force.

Col. Patrick W. Miller, BJACH commander, said the department’s impact extends far beyond the hospital walls.

“Our Emergency Department is continually lauded by patients, and it doesn’t go unnoticed,” Miller said. “The emergency department is an essential capability for Soldiers and Families stationed at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, for our retiree population in the surrounding community, and for the rotational units conducting dangerous and realistic training to increase their lethality on the battlefield. Our emergency nurses make a real difference in the lives of our patients every single day.”

Miller said that impact reflects the priorities outlined by Secretary of War Hegseth — building a lethal, resilient and disciplined force supported by world-class healthcare delivery. Every shift in the emergency department contributes to that vision: a medically ready force and a ready medical force.

Professional Excellence in Action

For emergency nurse Brittany Ratliff, a registered nurse, working in the BJACH ER is both demanding and deeply rewarding.

“I love the pace and the acuity,” Ratliff said. “We train constantly to handle anything that walks through the door, and we depend on each other completely. The teamwork here is unmatched — it’s what allows us to provide the best care for Soldiers and their Families.”

Emergency nurse Kristin Plank, a registered nurse, said calm professionalism is essential to delivering safe, effective care under pressure.

“It’s about staying grounded when everything around you feels unpredictable,” Plank said. “Your calm sets the tone for the entire room — and that makes all the difference in patient outcomes.”

Collin Seaman, a registered nurse, said being part of a mission-focused healthcare team in the emergency department gives her purpose.

“Helping patients feel safe and cared for gives me a strong sense of fulfillment,” Seaman said. “Every patient represents a Soldier, a Family member or a retiree — and each deserves the best care possible.”

Trish Keys, a licensed practical nurse, said strong leadership and camaraderie sustain the emergency team through tough days.

“We make the best of all situations,” Keys said. “We have leaders who support us and providers who go above and beyond. We lean on each other so we can always give our best to the patients who depend on us.”
Keys added that teamwork with physicians and physician assistants is essential to providing safe, efficient care.

“Our doctors and physician assistants go above and beyond to make our days great,” she said. “It really is a team effort — and that makes a difference in patient care.”

Caring for the Force, Strengthening the Nation

BJACH’s emergency department plays a critical role in the Military Health System’s mission: sustaining readiness through trusted, high-quality, patient-centered care. From trauma response to compassionate communication, the department embodies the Military Health System’s core priorities — increase the lethality of the warfighter, sustain the skills of the medical force and ensure accessible, high-quality, and sustainable care.

Reese said the emergency department’s strength lies in its people.

“They are calm in the chaos,” she said. “They bring order to uncertainty, hope to hardship and professionalism to every patient encounter. That’s what readiness looks like in healthcare.” Reese said the emergency department’s strength lies in its people. “They are calm in the chaos,” she said. “They bring order to uncertainty, hope to hardship and professionalism to every patient encounter. That’s what readiness looks like in healthcare.”

Honoring the Front Line of Care

As the Army continues to modernize and strengthen its medical capabilities, emergency nurses remain at the heart of the mission — ensuring Soldiers can fight tonight and Families can rest easy knowing they’re in capable hands.

According to Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital leadership, Emergency Nurses Week is more than a celebration — it’s recognition of the nurses who keep the force healthy, the mission moving and the nation strong.