Nurse of the Week Redux: Sandra Lindsay Poised to Replace Elvis as US Vaccination Icon

We honored Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MS, MBA, RN, CCRN-K, NE-BC as Nurse of the Week just last week. Did we run out of outstanding nurses? No, our in-box is still overflowing with NotW suggestions (and please keep them coming!). However, after careful consideration, we bowed in the face of overwhelming evidence indicating that Dr. Lindsay is owed a two-week reign as Nurse of the Week. The nursing student who described her as “the [American] face of the Covid-19 vaccine” was merely being accurate, and the events of this week can certainly attest to Lindsay’s iconic status. What has Dr. Sandra Lindsay been doing since last Wednesday? Well, we can only account for perhaps a few hours last Friday and today — but it is clear that she will have to add Vaccination Icon Duties to her schedule from now on.

Last Friday, US President Joe Biden brought her closer to Elvis status (Presley was a dedicated crusader for the polio vaccine in the 1950s) by presenting the Jamaican-born Lindsay with the Outstanding American by Choice Award. “She represents the very best of us all,” said Biden during a special ceremony at the White House, and “pursued her dream of becoming a nurse to allow her to do what she wanted to do most: give back to her new country.” He also shared a bit more of Lindsay’s own pandemic story. “During the height of the pandemic, she poured her heart and soul into her work… With a grandson at home — prematurely — she did what she had to do. She kept her distance and kept him safe. He is safe, but she lost an aunt and an uncle to the virus.”

Linsday responded, “I came to this country for the opportunities – not only for myself but to be able to help others. As a nurse, I do everything to care for the sickest patients and lead by example. More than 24 years after becoming a naturalized citizen, I could never have imagined where I am today, at the White House receiving high honors from the President. It’s truly a privilege to be a part of this great nation and I will continue to lead and help those in need.”

Elvis Presley, receiving his polio vaccination in 1956. — Elvis Presley received his polio vaccination in 1956 before his second appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

After the White House ceremony, Lindsay was also asked to surrender her vaccination card, hospital badge, and a pair of scrubs into the custody of the Smithsonian Institution. The items will be on display at the Smithsonian’s Covid-19 historical exhibit (She naturally complied with the request, being as eager as all of us to see Covid-19 become History).

Lindsay had more Icon Duty on Wednesday, July 7, as she joined the ranks of Nurse Grand Marshals. For three hours, she presided over New York City’s Hometown Heroes ticker-tape parade. Lindsay was an obvious choice to lead festivities celebrating the courage and dedication of essential/healthcare workers caring for a city that is still trying to comprehend the loss of over 33,400 lives to the virus. “It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as the grand marshal in the Hometown Heroes ticker-tape parade and represent all health care and essential workers whose heroic efforts saved lives during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lindsay said. Photos of the Grand Marshal smiling and waving from the back of a plush red convertible look suitably… iconic.