Coronavirus (COVID-19) had a bigger impact on our lives here in the United States than I ever imagined. When I first heard about it last fall, it just seemed so far away, like the Ebola outbreak of 2014-16. The United States has dealt with numerous disease outbreaks abroad in recent years, including SARS, Zika, and Ebola, but this is the first time that many of its residents are experiencing such a traumatic, overwhelming public health emergency. Even when it first hit the state of Washington, we were hopeful that it would be under control quickly.
Now, it's almost June and my college campus is still closed. The fate of the upcoming fall semester still hangs in the air. I am considered an essential worker, but my role in the pandemic is nowhere near that of the health professionals that are still working to help patients, both those who have contracted the virus and the "everyday patient." Life still goes on — there are still babies being born, car accidents, and other medical emergencies.
Wanting to learn more about how this pandemic is affecting healthcare professionals, I spoke to Christi, who works at a hospital in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Here is her take on the pandemic.
How long have you been in healthcare? What is your current role?
I have been in healthcare for the last 18+ years and have spent the last 11 years on the Antepartum Care Unit. Since the start of the COVID pandemic, I have spent two full weeks in the MICU (Medicine Intensive Care Unit) helping their amazing nurses care for some of the sickest, most vulnerable COVID-positive patients.
What is your hospital's procedure in regard to COVID-19 patient care?
This is difficult to answer directly because we are all constantly adapting to the latest recommendations as scientists and epidemiologists learn more about the virus.
In a nutshell, every employee is screened every single shift for any COVID symptoms or knowledge of exposure/possible exposure. Every employee, regardless of their department, is required to wear a hospital-supplied surgical mask at all times, except when eating or using the restroom. Patients have not been allowed any visitors for two months, with exceptions in extenuating circumstances only (pediatric patients, women who are laboring, end of life, etc.). All patients (and any guest) are required to wear a hospital supplied surgical mask while on hospital premises (if out-patient), or while any hospital staff is in their room. All patients being admitted for any reason or staying the night are being swabbed for COVID-19 upon arrival, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms of any possibility of exposure. Patients who are positive for COVID-19 are not permitted any visitation regardless of end of life or not, and the healthcare personnel caring for those patients are utilizing airborne precautions (N-95 respirator/CAPR helmet, impermeable gown, and double gloved.) Hospital staff is also asked to wear a mask or face covering (can be homemade/their own) while entering/exiting the hospital.
What is the protocol if you (or another nurse) shows signs of infection?
If an employee were to show signs of infection, the protocol is to NOT come into work for any reason, and to *call* to report your absence to your manager — even if you don't start feeling symptoms until you are on your way to work. Once you have reported your symptoms, you are expected to call the Employee Health office to report your symptoms, as well as the UNC COVID hotline. Someone from the hotline will return your call, during which, you will be asked a bunch of questions regarding the possible source of exposure. Depending on the answers to these questions will depend on how long you are out for, but the standard is a minimum of 14 days. At the end of 14 days, if you are symptom-free, you must then be cleared by Employee Health prior to retiring to work.
Do you have enough PPE?
I do feel that we have had adequate PPE. I have never had to go without, or wear soiled PP, including during several shifts that I worked in the MICU while caring for very sick, COVID-positive patients.
What is the biggest change your day-to-day has faced because of COVID-19?
I would say that the biggest day-to-day change has been actually getting accustomed to having a mask on at all times. I have become so used to having one on for 13-14 hours per day that I often find that even when I am off work, I will realize that I have left my mask on simply because I am used to having one on.
Describe the atmosphere of your hospital.
I would say that the atmosphere at UNC Hospital is a mix of apprehension because of all of the unknowns, but also a supportive atmosphere of teamwork. We are ALL in this new "normal" together and we ALL need to practice grace with each other. These are uncharted territories and we all have had a hard time adjusting.
How do you feel about the national news coverage of COVID-19?
I feel that the news coverage of the virus is all over the place considering I tend to catch the latest headlines in passing. To be honest, I have been following the CDC, the WHO, and various nursing/medical journals for the bulk of my information which, I feel, is far less sensationalized than the actual "news" coverage on TV regardless of bias.
What is one thing you wish you could tell the country about COVID-19?
One thing I wish the country knew is that this virus is extremely deadly to some people and, while we can predict with *some* accuracy those who are in a higher risk category, we are also finding that a fair amount of people who we might otherwise have thought to be low-risk are actually being taken quite ill by the virus. It is not a joke or a hoax, but a potentially deadly virus for which we have no cure.
How is your personal life impacted by COVID-19?
While I have been adjusting to my new role of "teacher" to my two, young children, I have reaffirmed my love for the nursing profession (teachers are SAINTS!!). Despite being much busier now on my days off because I am homeschooling my kids, I have actually learned to slow the pace of the day down, to simply enjoy my kids and the fact that I am getting to see them grow and evolve before my eyes instead of them doing much of that during the 35 hours per week they would normally be spending in the classroom. I spend FAR more time than I already did outside with them so that we can all get some fresh air and relieve some stress whenever the weather is nice.
Are there any stories of hope that you can share with us?
I think this pandemic has made me most hopeful that, going forward, healthcare workers will work better as a team across all disciplines and specialties, and that we will continue supporting each other in our common goals to keep people healthy and provide the most compassionate care possible. The COVID pandemic has brought out the best in many healthcare workers and has been a testament to the resiliency and common goals as healthcare workers.
What advice can you readers for staying as healthy as possible?
The best advice I can give is for people to practice kindness, patience, and grace towards one another while we all find our way through.
What can citizens in your area do to help healthcare workers fight COVID-19?
The best thing citizens can do is to practice good hand hygiene and protect themselves and their neighbors by practicing social distancing recommendations whenever they leave their homes. Everyone can also help by wearing masks when in public to protect those in our community who are most at-risk while remembering that "at-risk" doesn't have a face. It could be anyone, young or old, who has risk factors that you may never guess.
Thank you to Christi and all the healthcare workers that are making a difference every day!
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