Misty recalled that during the pandemic, “We had to increase our safety equipment, retrain ourselves and the rest of the staff and decrease the numbers of beds that we could have close to each other.” They also had to make new rules that discussed how to deal with COVID-19 positive patients. L&D had to figure out how to test each patient who came in. This became increasingly frustrating because of the CDC’s rapidly changing rules.
They explained how this pandemic has changed their work lives. Elaina said, “We must always remain in our protective gear while in the hospital. Each patient is only allowed two visitors at a time. They can have as many as they want, but they can only have two in the room with them. The rest of their party must wait outside the hospital.”
Misty said, “Our procedure to admit patients has gotten much better and faster. We still have to test them for COVID symptoms. They must fill out a questionnaire before being admitted.”
Through these new rules they gained a lot of knowledge on how the emergency and pandemic procedures work. They also learned how to adjust and streamline them. “We were forced to look at how we, as nurses, protect ourselves while protecting our patients at the same time,” Misty said. Eliana said, “We also learned that wearing an N-95 mask for 12 hours is not comfortable.”
Even though these challenges have been rougher on the staff, THR’s L&D department remains vigilant in the continued fight against COVID. Both Misty and Elaina agree that “we will beat this pandemic and come out on top. We always look out for the safety and well-being of our patients.”
These are just two of the heroes who are on the frontlines of this worldwide pandemic. All healthcare workers, across the globe, are doing their best to make sure that we have the finest care that they can offer!
