The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) nursing staff at GBMC has made some dramatic changes to its workday routine since the novel coronavirus began rapidly spreading across the United States.
"I had a few days off just before we became the COVID-19 ICU," said Megan Soderlund, RN. "It was a little bit of a shock the first day I walked in. All the carts were pulled out, everyone had a go-bag with a shield and mask, all these policy changes were being made, and I knew this was something that was going to be around for a while."
Nicole Donovan, RN, echoed that sentiment, saying, "It was definitely a scary experience because no one knew what to expect, but we were prepared."
Some of the daily changes they've had to make are physical in nature. Nurses place pumps outside of patient rooms to make adjustments without exposure to the virus. They also have started to lay COVID-19 patients on their stomachs to help their bodies better distribute oxygen and possibly to avoid intubation.
They've also had to adjust the way they think about patient care. Nicole explains, "The biggest learning experience was that you can't run in if someone is in trouble. You have to put on your PPE (personal protective equipment) and take your time."
Megan agrees, "Instinct tells you to run in the patient's room, but we need to protect ourselves and put on all our PPE before entering the room. It's been a big change."
Both nurses agree the virus has also taken a major emotional toll on the patients, the patients' families, and the hospital staff. Megan reiterates the stress that isolation can put on the patient and their family, especially in the final moments of someone's life.
"I think they're in shock a little bit too that their family members can't be there. I've held hands with dying patients, and it's nothing like your own family, but knowing I can be there for someone, be someone they can talk to, is important," Megan says.
The impact of COVID-19 on their daily lives doesn't lessen when they leave work. Nicole lives at home with her parents and says while it's nice to be near them, she worries constantly about them getting sick.
"I know what I'm doing is right. I just can't slack or be negligent," Nicole explains.
Both nurses stress the importance of following CDC guidelines to help slow the spread of the virus. Megan says, "Something as simple as wearing a mask and washing your hands can really protect everyone. Wearing a face mask shouldn't be something you even question."
Nicole emphatically agrees, "I truly think wearing masks is a necessity because we don't have any other answers. I've seen the worst of the worst, seen too many sad cases and deaths to say it's just a little virus and a cold."
The GBMC HealthCare Workers Fund was created to support the financial, emotional and spiritual needs of employees during this unprecedented time. 100% of the donations will directly benefit frontline providers who are making sacrifices to protect themselves, their families and most importantly, their patients. Please click here to make a donation.
