The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us. Adjusting to a new way of life is not easy. However, it is impossible for “non-healthcare providers” to truly grasp the impact that COVID-19 has had on our frontline workers. We got an inside view from some of our nurses on what it’s like to work during this pandemic. To better understand, we posed a few questions to gauge their feelings and experiences during this challenging time…
What is a major takeaway you’ve experienced from working during COVID-19?
“Scary, but being able to help wherever I’m needed is good since I officially retired from my job of over 40 years. I really feel they appreciate me helping in a time like this.”
– Jonita, LPN
“Communication is key. Whether it’s from the hourly updates/changes from the facility you are working at with new COVID updates/policies, or daily zoom/FaceTime calls with families and friends. Communicating with each other more now than ever is vital to help keep us somewhat sane and to show those who we are used to seeing regularly we are still here.”
–Claudia, LPN
“I think we could have gotten this under control better if the government had acted faster when it started showing signs of spreading in Asia.”
– Jamie, RN
“The hospital and staff I worked with were very supportive of all staff, including agency personnel. It was/is a very fluid situation and we all had to adapt to changing guidelines/procedures on a daily, sometimes even hourly basis.”
– Salena, RN
“Patients need emotional support more than ever as they have no contact with family/friends.”
– Brenda, RN
Do you have any silver lining, heartfelt, or uplifting stories from being a nurse during COVID-19?
“Just to say a heartfelt thank you for the job that I’ve always done, regardless of circumstances. As well to thank everyone who went to work with me- ALL essential workers.”
– Kathy, RN
“It is always great to hear the “Code Joy” announced overhead at the hospital when a COVID-19 patient is discharged home. It’s just a great reminder of what we are fighting to do.”
– Jamie, RN
“My personal experience being a nurse during COVID-19 is being able to take that extra time with my residents that I didn’t have before. Long term care facilities have become closed off to visitors when this started and residents have become isolated. That is sad and depressing to me, I can only imagine what they are going through. If I can take the time to spend with a resident completing a puzzle or reading to them, or learning a little bit more about them, taking their minds off of this, I feel I’ve made their day a little brighter with some companionship.”
– Claudia, LPN
“I love the appreciation from everyone around who knows that we are in the frontline of this pandemic. It is scary being exposed to this virus and potentially bringing it home to your loved ones. BUT it is amazing to see patients beating the virus and going home after being in the hospital for many days and very sick to the point where it was scary”
– Rochelle, RN
“In the beginning everyone was afraid to go to ICU to do a patient (hemodialysis/plasmapheresis). But once you get your turn, you just bravely go in there and while you’re in there, you forget about the virus and just think about your patient, what they are going through with the disease process and without their loved ones beside them. You become their loved ones for 4 hours and you somehow make the most of what you can provide them emotionally.”
–Emelda, RN
“Protect yourself first and then know your patients are protected. I like to spend my spare time with my patients who are also being separated from family and friends.”
-Dori, LPN
“The amount of support received from the community for healthcare workers was incredible. They all supported us in ways they were allowed to, such as posting “Heroes work here” signs everywhere and providing meals multiple times a day, for weeks!”
– Salena, RN
It’s easy to see that each one of these nurses is not only an incredible healthcare provider but a phenomenal human being as well. It takes a special person to get into the nursing industry and this pandemic has shined an even brighter light on the selflessness, compassion, and empathy these nurses exude on a daily basis. We are proud. We are humbled. We are amazed. Stay strong and healthy frontline heroes!