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COVER STORY: Nurses Serving Through COVID-19

Do you think more focus should be placed on the positive, such as If you could do or have one thing, what would it be?
how many people contract the virus, yet recover?
DURBIN – "If I could have one thing right now, I would have the medical interven-
DURBIN – "I think it is important to highlight both positive and negative reports. The tion that would treat and stop this virus and save lives."
reality is, our society seems to pay more attention to negative information. It is because of AMADO TATE – "Truly, I have everything I need to work through this. I have the sup-
the negative stories that people take positive action to protect themselves and their families. port of our nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, administration and entire health-
And the positive stories give people hope and motivate them to stay vigilant." care staff at Doctors Hospital. I am grateful that I work for Baptist Health."
AMADO TATE – "The stories about the rising number of cases and deaths remind people AGUILERA – “The hugs of all my family and co-workers. I cannot wait for this to be
that this is a very infectious condition. But we also need positive stories highlighting the over so I can hug my co-workers again and tell them THANK YOU for the great job you
many recoveries to calm the sense of panic and remind people that we will beat this." have done.”
DELFIN – "YES! The kindness and love that we’ve seen during this crisis has been amaz-
ing and, in my opinion, restored a lot of people's 'lost faith' in humanity. The outpouring of People have differing opinions: Do you believe wearing masks
support from communities for positivity and to hear about good outcomes is refreshing. or bandanas in public will help the situation?
With social media, it's easy to get pulled into negative news, I've experienced it myself, so
I've tried to share a positive picture or story every day to remind healthcare workers that DURBIN – "I believe that wearing a mask or bandana does help – it certainly does not
we are strong, united and healing." hurt. At the very least, it keeps people from touching their faces while in public. And
REYNOLDS – "Absolutely. Just as we celebrate new babies being born by playing a lull- when people see others with masks, it reminds them to take this seriously and maintain
aby theme over our PA system, we have recently added the theme from 'Rocky' to recognize social distance."
every safe discharge of a patient who was diagnosed with coronavirus. We've also estab- AMADO TATE – "I believe everyone should be wearing masks to protect themselves.
lished a 'Victory Garden' around the flagpole in front of our hospital, which includes a This is a very infectious condition and it is out there in our community. As demonstrat-
white ribbon for every recovered patient. Our team finds strength in celebrating these bat- ed by other countries, the number of cases drops when people wear masks."
tles won, and it provides the inspiration needed to keep fighting the virus in all the patients DELFIN – "As humans, we need to feel psychologically safe in our choices, so if wear-
still battling inside." ing a mask brings someone comfort, we should accept that and allow that person their
freedom of choice. By allowing people to make their own choices, we help the situation
What has surprised you most about the whole situation? in a way."
REYNOLDS – "I'm personally very supportive of the general public being required to
DURBIN – "I am surprised that, in the early stages, many people did not take this seri- wear a mask in places where several people are gathered, or where there is high proba-
ously. Some people seemed to think this was a hoax. The reality is, this is like nothing else bility of virus transmission via contaminated surfaces. Combined with social distancing,
we have seen. We are going to battle every day." I believe we are seeing that these interventions are working to prevent widespread trans-
AMADO TATE – "I am not surprised, but I am very proud of our healthcare team mem- mission of coronavirus."
bers who have adopted new roles, new responsibilities, and new routines, and are working AGUILERA – “Absolutely, wearing masks in public areas is key to prevent spreading
together to get through this pandemic." the virus. As well as wearing gloves and washing your hands.”
REYNOLDS – "The resiliency, ingenuity, and commitment of our staff in working con-
ditions that have never been more challenging. The PPE they take on and off dozens of times The number of cases and deaths around the country has escalated
each day, staying behind an uncomfortable mask for 12-hour shifts, taking on challenges dramatically. Have you seen comparable percentages in your hos-
every day, and each time our team willingly steps forward to offer solutions and support. pital(s) yet?
After we closed our facility to visitors, one of the first things we did was create ways to con-
nect families with their loved ones. We've set up video calls, so family members can see and
not just talk to patients, and, with the patient's permission, we provide updates on their sta- DURBIN – "Fortunately, our statistics have been very low compared to the hot spots
tus from the clinical team. In one particularly sad case, we were able to connect a wife and around the country."
several children with their husband and father, to pray and say goodbye just minutes before AMADO TATE – "At this point in early April, we are still seeing a rise in the number
he passed away. The team that cared for this gentleman received the most heartfelt thank you of presenting cases and ICU admissions."
from his grieving family just days later. It's something none of us will soon forget."
STARNES – "Memorial Healthcare System has always had a robust disaster preparedness How can the public help you do your job?
system in place, but what was surprising to me was the sheer size and scale of this pandem-
ic and how quickly and decisively we were able to scale up. We're a large organization DURBIN – "People can help us by following the guidelines to stay home and keep them-
(14,000 employees), and without skipping a beat, we empowered a high-level clinical steer- selves safe. By doing this, they help to keep us safe."
ing committee, arranged daily conference calls, enabled non-essential staff to work from AMADO TATE – "The public can help us by wearing masks and practicing social dis-
home, and did it without any negative impact on the healthcare delivery system. Our front- tancing. We want people to be well – we do not want to see patients coming to our hospital
line staff members are supported in a way few other healthcare systems could manage. It or ICU with COVID-19."
all proved to me there was no disaster too big for MHS to tackle together. They say it takes AGUILERA – “By staying home during this time of pandemic unless they have symp-
a village, and our village is as strong as they come." toms that require medical attention such as shortness of breath, high fever, low oxygen sat-
AGUILERA – “The reaction of the community. When I see so many people on the streets uration.”
in this so called “quarantine” I truly think that people see this disease as a joke when in fact
it is not.” Is there anything you would like to tell the public?

What have you learned since this started? DURBIN – "I want to thank our community. We are so very grateful for their love and
support. We’ve had local businesses bring lunch to the entire hospital. We’ve had com-
DURBIN – "I have learned more about the strength and resolve of our incredible nurses. munity members line the road leading out of the hospital and honk and hold up signs
And I have been reminded about the power of teamwork, communication and support as our night shift nurses left to go home. This made them cry. We feel appreciated, and
within our hospital and across our community." it lifts our spirits."
AMADO TATE – "I have learned the importance of a strong foundation and an effective AMADO TATE – "We are here to help you. We need you to do your part by staying
leadership team. Our organization was prepared for the unexpected." home. But, if you do get sick, we will care for you. And, together we will get through
POLLART – "That the public now views nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and this."
other frontline workers as first responders and respects our work in the same way police DELFIN – "Thanks for the outpouring of love and support for the healthcare com-
and fire departments were seen after 9/11. Nurses are now being thanked for their service munity. Also, please understand that the measures we take – limiting hospital visits,
and sacrifice by a grateful community. The healthcare team is now described as heroes, and social distancing, etc. – are only done so that we can provide the safest and highest-qual-
it has invigorated our workforce with a rejuvenated sense of pride and dedication. The ity care. Following the rules ensures all our safety, whether there's a crisis or not; and
cohesion and mutual respect among nurses and physicians has strengthened exponentially while we're always willing to take care of the community, we need them to take care of
as a result of the pandemic. We are creating new workflows and innovations that improve us as well."
efficiency and safety for our patients and healthcare team. I think the notoriety the nursing AGUILERA – “With your help we will be back on our feet again in no time.”
profession is receiving will have a long-term, positive impact, attracting more people to a
profession that is regarded by society as one of the most trusted." To these and all nurses, we say THANK YOU!
AGUILERA – “This ordeal reinforced me that life is the most valuable gift we have.”

Coming Next Month...
Annual Healthcare Hurricane Planning Guide
Emergency Department Trends and Challenges/Trauma Medicine
Disaster Planning – Preparedness • Healthcare Real Estate Update - Mid 2020 Update
Eldercare Advances in South Florida • Healthcare Staffing Challenges

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