doing your part to get our world through this

I began my nursing career in 1981 in a small local hospital in Salina Kansas. In the early 1980's, when we were faced with what we initially referred to as HTLV-III, we were forced to change our practices. We had to learn to be more cautious with blood and body fluids.  In retrospect, it's hard to believe that we didn't always use "universal precautions" when caring for all patients. But we didn't.  I remember thinking to myself "I will never be able to start an IV wearing gloves, I won't be able to feel the vein as well, I will not be as precise". And yet we did change, for the better. And we learned to be quite skilled at starting IV's with gloves on. 

Once again, as we face challenges with COVID-19, we are learning new ways to do our work. I would not have believed it was possible to communicate with multiple family members using an iPad, on a pole, taken into the room by the nurse caring for the patient. But it is. Is it the same? No, it's harder because we must coordinate with the nurse, so they can take us in virtually when going into the room to provide care. While at the same time making sure we are not interfering with the life saving interventions going on. We must prepare the family for what they will see and make sure they are able to use the technology. Connecting with families and conveying compassion is harder virtually. But it can happen. We have been deeply touched by the emotions of families who have not seen their loved one "since we dropped them off at the hospital". That was obviously before they were intubated and on a breathing machine. It's hard to see someone you love like that in real life, much less on an iPad. I can only imagine the helplessness families feel, being quarantined or isolated at home, worried and unable to be present at the bedside.

These times call for innovation coupled with caution, using what we know, going in new directions, always working to be sure we are safe. Last week we worked differently than we did the week before. This coming week, I am already thinking about ways that we can work smarter than we did when we walked out of the hospital on Friday. All of this in preparation for the surge of patients we fear are coming. 

Thanks to every single one of you who is staying home. Being safe. Washing your hands. Doing your part to get OUR world through this pandemic. 

Comments

[Susan]

Thank you!

[Emie]

Thank You Carol!!! Your thoughtful messages benefit the way I live my life. Things are changing, and yes, sometimes things change on a daily basis. Being flexible at a moments notice isn't easy but I know as a society we can do it together. We really never know what we can do until we challenge ourselves.
BTW.. I'm going to flip through your archives today to reintroduce myself with the info on medical directives you shared. THANK YOU!

[Chris Oliveira]

Those of us sheltering at home are feeling isolated, bored, and frightened. But all of this pales in comparison to what you and other hospital workers are experiencing and what patients and their families are going through. Staying home is the least we can do. Thank you so much for what you do, and to all those who are on the front lines of this. Medical practices will change, and I believe our lives will all be changed in many profound ways. Be safe Carol.

[Barbara Tarbox]

Today i viewed the message from Queen Elizabeth delivered to her country and the world.
It was thoughtful, hopeful, eloquent and comforting.
It was encouraging to me in so many ways.
Your posts too, I look forward to because they convey the same qualities. In addition
They remind us all that while the situation is grave, we must consider “the lillies of the field,’
Turn your head and lift your eyes to the magic present in nature, New life bursting forth even in the inevitability of death. Be restored and renewed, and thankful.
I am thankful for those like yourself and Mary Ann, who call our attention to the beauty of ordinary but extraordinary present all around us.

‘
Look around and be restored and renewed by the gifts of nature. Allow yourself to
see the hope spring brings with it, life bursting forth even in the inevitability of death.

[Linda Watson]

This put me in tears. Bless you for the work you do, and the openness to all you do. From the relative safety of my home, I am so grateful for all of you on the frontlines and the caring professionalism you embody. God bless you.

[Carolyn Dietrich]

Thank you for all you do to help those you care for. I pray daily for all of you in health care to be safe.

[Vicki in Michigan]

Thanks to you, and to all of your co-workers, for all you are doing to keep all of us as well as possible. Your efforts/care/time/energy/love are greatly appreciated.

[carol]

Barbara: I thought the message from Queen Elizabeth was wonderful. You summed it up perfectly "eloquent and comforting". The world needs more smart, level headed, women in positions of leadership.

[carol]

Thank every single one of you for all your good wishes. I surround myself in them like "armor".

[Faith]

Thank you, Carol, for all that you are doing to care for those who have to go through all of this sick AND alone. Thank you for being at the front of this, and for thinking of new ways to manage and be safe and keep your patients safe, while also trying to keep their families informed.

We are staying home, unless we need to go out. I stitched together two masks by hand this weekend so that we can do our part to keep our community safe when we do go out. We are taking this seriously and thanking everyone we encounter who is out working to keep the rest of us in basic necessities and services.

Thank you, again.

[Terri W.]

Thank YOU!