I really can’t believe that I’m even having to write this blog post, but it’s almost imperative to do so as a nurse and healthcare advocate. For some time now I’ve kept quiet on the topic for numerous reasons, but as time has been moving forward and I’m starting to see a change in healthcare protocols to protect the people at the frontline of care and our patients of course, it’s a must that the topic be discussed to bring awareness. Thankfully at my hospital we currently do not have any cases of COVID-19, but it’s already invading many surrounding hospitals. I had the pleasure of interviewing my good friend Mitch, whom is an ED travel nurse in California, he gives his raw and true experience with dealing with the pandemic at his hospital. Before we dive into his interview, I just want to be able to provide you all with some basic facts about Coronavirus provided by credible sources such as the CDC, WHO, and IDPH:
1. Let’s start with what Coronavirus is. Coronavirus is amongst a group of respiratory viruses that has been around for many years. Although COVID-19 is amongst the newest strain of Coronavirus, which originated from Wuhan, China.
2. Symptoms included cough, fever, or shortness of breath, with symptoms appearing anywhere from 2-14 days. While some individuals remain asymptomatic. Cases can range from mild to severe. Mild cases being treated at home, while more severe cases are being treated within the hospital setting
3. COVId-19 can be passed from person to person through droplets from sneezes and/or coughs.
4. Testing is done through laboratory testing, which involves swabbing of the nose.
5. At this current time there is no vaccine or cure. Treatment is through supportive measures that help to relieve the symptoms
How To Protect Yourself During This Time
It sounds so silly to say at this point but Handwashing, HANDWASHING. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as those are the modes of transmission. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces often. SOCIAL DISTANCING, stay at least 6 feet away from other individuals and stay indoors if possible. If out wear a face mask at all times. Try keeping your immune system up by taking vitamins, I highly recommend sea moss and elderberry, staying hydrated, and eating adequate veggies
Interview with Nurse Mitch:
Specialty: ED
Mitch has been an registered nurse for about 3 years, with experience in ICU as well. Currently a travel nurse in California
You can follow Mitch on IG @filipinoneil
What has been the age range of patients you’ve seen?
Ages honestly range, I can’t say that I’m seeing one population of patients. I have seen people anywhere from 30’s-50’s. Fortunately at this time I haven’t seen any patients in their 20’s or younger, but that doesn’t mean our age group is exempt, because it’s happening at other hospitals. In fact, my coworker was just telling me of a close friend of hers who is a younger individual currently in the ICU fighting for her life on a ventilator due to coronavirus. COVID doesn’t discriminate.
What is the protocol at your facility for protecting employees and what does your PPE look like? Do you feel it’s sufficient?
We are getting our temperatures checked at the door! We can’t begin our shift without getting it taken, if we have a fever of 100.8 or higher we’re sent home immediately. Those allowed to work are then having their temps checked periodically throughout the day and at any time we spike a temp we’re sent home. As far as our PPE it consists of a gown, double gloves, face shield, N95 mask, and boots. Although, our N95 mask we get one per shift, that is ours for the entire day. We take it off for breaks etc and place it in a biohazard bag. It sucks that we can only have one N95 mask, you know ideally, we trash every mask with each patient encounter but with the shortage in masks that’s just not possible at this time. Other than the mask situation, I do feel that we are protected. We have two nurses per possible or confirmed COVID room. Where one remains in the room, while the other is outside the room assisting with anything that may be needed, but still dons the appropriate PPE.
How do you feel as a travel ED nurse during this time?
I’m not even gone lie it’s scary as hell. Working in the ED, we are the frontline of care and you have no idea of what’s about to swing through that door. I keep telling myself it’s not a matter of if I will I get it, but when I get it. It’s sad but that’s the reality of it, I feel as though at some point us healthcare providers will be exposed by either direct contact with a patient or through our coworkers. It’s just the type of environment we work in. Things are literally changing by the day and we are learning so many new pieces of information. Not only that, I’m a new travel nurse so I’m adjusting to a new hospital and learning how they do things. But what I will say is my hospital has been working as a team and leaning on one another during this time, to serve and protect our community the best way that we know how. The only thing I can do is continue to follow the strict protocols of my hospitals and continue to be a voice and encourage social distancing within the communities. The sooner we abide by the new normal, the sooner this will all be over. I do think people are starting to take this serious and actually staying home, not as many people are coming to the ED anymore for none emergent things that could wait.
Everyone please be safe out here! Practice good hand hygiene and social distancing as much as you can. Please, please, please stay indoors so that we can save those medical masks for the individuals such as myself, Mitch, and the many other healthcare workers can do our job protected and adequately. Tell anyone working the frontline of this pandemic thank you for risking our lives to save yours!