Statement of Support from the School of Nursing

Date: April 18, 2007

The focus of nursing is the protection and preservation of human life. How cruelly ironic it is, then, that one of our own nursing students has suffered the loss of her younger sister in the senseless killings at Virginia Tech this week. This morning, many of Randa Samaha's nursing classmates gathered with faculty and staff to reflect, seek comfort from one another and to discuss how we all might support Randa and her family in the difficult days and months ahead.

When tragedy strikes, it is human to ask, "Why?" There can be no satisfaction in that question, but we can ask "What...can we do?" While nothing can be done to reverse the tragic events in Blacksburg, we can care for one another and we can affirm the fullness and beauty of life.

Randa's nursing classmates have already learned something about individual reactions to grief, how important it is to talk about feelings, symptoms of post traumatic reactions and where professional resources are available. The classroom lessons are now more personal experiences. This morning's discussion included reminders that since we are not always able to discern when we are not coping well ourselves, we need to be sensitive to one another's needs in the weeks ahead and to be alert to the needs of other friends. A major thrust of the gathering was to explore specific ways to respond to this tragedy. There is a desire to reach out.

Because Randa transferred into the nursing program, we realize she and her sister Reema have many friends across Grounds. In the days ahead, our nursing students will solidify their plans to celebrate Reema's life and to comfort her family. We invite everyone to watch for announcements on our Web site. In the meantime, we join millions of people across America and many parts of the world in expressing our thoughts and prayers for the entire Virginia Tech family.

Jeanette Lancaster, PhD, RN, FAAN
Sadie Heath Cabaniss Professor of Nursing
Dean, University of Virginia School of Nursing