Elaine F. Brainerd
I originally met Elaine Brainerd in 1969 when my parents moved to Connecticut. I had to attend classes at St. Therese church for confirmation. Elaine was the church organist. Little did I know that later, in freshman year at Branford High School (BHS) I would become close friends with Elaine's daughter Alicia. I got to know Elaine as "Alicia's mom." Later in high school, Elaine became the faculty advisor of an after school, extracurricular program called All Interested in Medicine (AIM). I believe that was during my junior and senior years at BHS (1973-1975). If memory serves, Elaine started All Interested in Medicine during this time. At that time I thought I wanted to become a registered nurse so I joined AIM. Elaine lead discussions with the group of about 12 students. She introduced us to various aspects of medical-related careers. She encouraged us to get involved with medical-related activities. I became a candy striper at Saint Raphael's Hospital in New Haven. With Elaine's encouragement and guidance I become involved with local and state Special Olympic groups, volunteering as a participant's mentor. Elaine encouraged us to develop and create a community project in our senior year. Long before the American Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, Elaine was aware that people with disabilities faced many physical obstacles to gain access to buildings, especially public buildings. My project was to survey local businesses in Branford to see if they had ramps, and/or their entrances were at least 32 inches wide; the minimum width for a standard wheelchair. I believe our findings were presented to the AIM group, and perhaps to the student body.
I was fortunate to attend a weekend workshop with Elaine and other members of AIM. The workshop focused on how a young woman should act and carry herself in the professional world. This workshop gave me information that I took with me throughout my professional life. The facilitators conducted a variety of classes that taught us about professional dress and appearance, manners, etiquette, making introductions, punctuality, ability to meet deadlines, presenting oneself with clarity and confidence, and even how to accept a complement, and the importance of writing thank you notes; essentials for a young female entering the professional world. I remember learning something that now is commonplace to me, but very profound to me back then. I learned, that during face-to-face introductions, it is the female that is supposed to extend the handshake first; do not wait for a male to extend his hand, and most importantly, do not shake hands with a "limp fish" grip; grasp their hand firmly. To this day I remember these lessons learned that weekend with Elaine.
I lost contact with Elaine, and her daughter, Alicia after high school. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with both of them about 10 years ago when Alicia moved back to Branford. We reconnected as a mother-daughter group with five daughters and four mothers. We cooked dinners for the mothers, went to movies, shows, and had picnics. It was a magical connection between mothers and daughters. Elaine remained as wonderful, inspirational, and informative as I remembered her from high school.
Although I did not go on to become a nurse, or even in the medical field, the guidance provided by Elaine Brainerd, and the lessons learned from her encouragement in community involvement would carry me all my life. She was a remarkable educator, a woman ahead of her time, and an inspiration to more people than we will probably know.
I was fortunate to attend a weekend workshop with Elaine and other members of AIM. The workshop focused on how a young woman should act and carry herself in the professional world. This workshop gave me information that I took with me throughout my professional life. The facilitators conducted a variety of classes that taught us about professional dress and appearance, manners, etiquette, making introductions, punctuality, ability to meet deadlines, presenting oneself with clarity and confidence, and even how to accept a complement, and the importance of writing thank you notes; essentials for a young female entering the professional world. I remember learning something that now is commonplace to me, but very profound to me back then. I learned, that during face-to-face introductions, it is the female that is supposed to extend the handshake first; do not wait for a male to extend his hand, and most importantly, do not shake hands with a "limp fish" grip; grasp their hand firmly. To this day I remember these lessons learned that weekend with Elaine.
I lost contact with Elaine, and her daughter, Alicia after high school. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with both of them about 10 years ago when Alicia moved back to Branford. We reconnected as a mother-daughter group with five daughters and four mothers. We cooked dinners for the mothers, went to movies, shows, and had picnics. It was a magical connection between mothers and daughters. Elaine remained as wonderful, inspirational, and informative as I remembered her from high school.
Although I did not go on to become a nurse, or even in the medical field, the guidance provided by Elaine Brainerd, and the lessons learned from her encouragement in community involvement would carry me all my life. She was a remarkable educator, a woman ahead of her time, and an inspiration to more people than we will probably know.
I would like to nominate Elaine Brainerd to the Branford Education Hall of Fame for many reasons. Throughout her career, Elaine always put the welfare of students and people first. In 1967, Elaine went to work at Branford High School where she created and taught the Nursing Program. Because of her enthusiasm, drive and dedication to nursing, she inspired many students to purse a career in healthcare. Elaine was also the advisor to the BHS student club called AIM (All Interested in Medicine). This group of students, I, being one of them, met regularly. Under the guidance of Elaine, we went on field trips, had guest speakers talk about various healthcare professions and became aware of all the opportunities available to us. Elaine also was the one to lend an ear or a shoulder to a student in need of just that. After leaving BHS, Elaine worked for the State of Connecticut Education Association and developed the Standardized School Nurses Emergency Care Protocol for Connecticut. This protocol handbook was later adopted nationwide. Elaine would find herself giving seminars in almost every state to further educate and promote this very important tool in other school systems. Elaine went on to work with the AMA in conjunction with the CDC during the early 80's and with the AIDS crisis. Even after retiring, Elaine still gave her time to others by volunteering at the Homemaker's Thrift Shop. One would think that being involved with so many worthwhile programs, Elaine would have little time for anything else. To the contrary, Elaine was also a busy mother of four children, a homemaker and a loving wife. It is my belief that Elaine Brainerd's numerous contributions to so many should earn her the very distinguished award of being a member of Branford Education Hall of Fame.
I had the good fortune to be a student of Mrs.Elaine Brainerd's Allied health class 1973-1974. Besides the basic skills of nursing aids, Elaine showed us in the class room. She brought us to Yale New Haven Hospital for clinical experience for a few weeks. Thinking back we were just 16 and 17 years old, but Mrs. Brainerd had prepared us. We learned everything we needed to know to give the best bedside care. I remember being anxious . We had Mrs Brainerd at our side making sure we did the right thing, We took our cues from her. I remember a particular patient who was rather Grumpy with good reason he had just had an amputation and the entire group was intimidated and afraid to take care of this man. But not Mrs. Brainerd (The Patient whisperer) she started talking to this Man about his life, his family , his travels and within a short time his whole mood changed. At the end of clinical day we had a chance to go over the day. Our question to Mrs Brainerd was how do we take care of people that are so difficult? I have been a nurse for many years now and have never forgot her answer. "You step out of yourself ,your problems,your issues and step into your work shoes. Nursing is not for the faint of heart. You must look at the whole patient, the whole person. there is always a reason someone acts difficult. Never take it as a personal insult. Sometimes just a cry for help .Sometimes needing to be seen. Sometimes uncontrollable pain, sometimes medication side effects. You need to listen with empathy without distraction and help."
I have applied this to many patient situations. I tend to ask for that difficult patient now. Mrs Brainerd the most empathetic and compassionate person was an inspiration to all that came in touch with her .Her continuance to strive to help others
went on beyond her career. Always volunteering to help others. She inspired her students to become part of the community.
A patient thanked me the other day for taking the time to listen to her and her problems. I looked up, I thanked Mrs Brainerd for teaching me to listen.
I would like to nominate Elaine Brainerd to the Branford Education hall of fame.
I have been a nurse for many years now thanks to that class and Mrs. Brainerd.
I have applied this to many patient situations. I tend to ask for that difficult patient now. Mrs Brainerd the most empathetic and compassionate person was an inspiration to all that came in touch with her .Her continuance to strive to help others
went on beyond her career. Always volunteering to help others. She inspired her students to become part of the community.
A patient thanked me the other day for taking the time to listen to her and her problems. I looked up, I thanked Mrs Brainerd for teaching me to listen.
I would like to nominate Elaine Brainerd to the Branford Education hall of fame.
I have been a nurse for many years now thanks to that class and Mrs. Brainerd.