Kaci Hickox, the nurse who arrived at Newark International Airport from Sierra Leone on Friday only to be placed under mandatory 21-day quarantine, has penned a story that describes her arrival, the poor management by airport staff, and the Ebola panic that ensued after Governor Christie instituted the new mandatory quarantine policy for those who have come into contact with Ebola patients.

The nurse, upon returning to America after working with Doctors Without Borders, was immediately put into quarantine until it was determined that she was Ebola free. For Dallas News, Hickox described in detail her experience of being forced into mandatory quarantine:

I arrived at the Newark Liberty International Airport around 1 p.m. on Friday, after a grueling two-day journey from Sierra Leone. I walked up to the immigration official at the airport and was greeted with a big smile and a "hello." I told him that I have traveled from Sierra Leone and he replied, a little less enthusiastically: "No problem. They are probably going to ask you a few questions." He put on gloves and a mask and called someone. Then he escorted me to the quarantine office a few yards away. I was told to sit down. Everyone that came out of the offices was hurrying from room to room in white protective coveralls, gloves, masks, and a disposable face shield.

Hickox said she was questioned and investigated by several doctors and staff, some who introduced themselves to her and some who didn't. When Hickox had a 101-degree fever, she says her nurse looked smug.

I was left alone in the room for another three hours. At around 7 p.m., I was told that I must go to a local hospital. I asked for the name and address of the facility. I realized that information was only shared with me if I asked. Eight police cars escorted me to the University Hospital in Newark. Sirens blared, lights flashed. Again, I wondered what I had done wrong. I had spent a month watching children die, alone. I had witnessed human tragedy unfold before my eyes. I had tried to help when much of the world has looked on and done nothing.

She goes on to tell a story of watching a 10-year-old girl die alone in a tent at the Sierra Leone clinic Hickox had just come from, noting that "the U.S. must treat returning health care workers with dignity and humanity." The full story can be read here.

Though Hickox's tests came up negative for the Ebola virus on Saturday, she will still be held in quarantine for the full 21 days, health officials say.

[Image via AP]