This is the first blog post in a series that will highlight how COVID-19 has impacted the lives of individuals, from a variety of backgrounds and professions. Each testimony will be obtained through an interview format as our contributors answer a set of questions. We begin with the perspective of an ICU nurse in Florida.
Written by Danielle Flores and Valerie Chavarin
Media: Valerie Chavarin
"The one thing I’ve witnessed firsthand is that COVID is no respecter of age, race, gender, status of health or socioeconomic standing. I have held the hand of a 22 year old before his last breath, and a 96 year old before hers. Do the right thing."
As we all know, health care workers are some of the most important workers during this pandemic. Whether they are a doctor, nurse, coder, or any other type of health care worker, they must work overtime in order to provide for their communities. Unfortunately, one of the most affected parts of the United States is Florida. According to a Washington DC based newspaper “The Hill,” Florida recently passed their own record for the most COVID-19 deaths in just one week with a total of 1,230 deaths. To gain a better understanding of COVID-19 through a health-care worker’s perspective, we interviewed a frontline worker from Florida.
We asked Josh (whose last name we will not disclose due to privacy), a 24 year old ICU nurse in Florida. He has been working in the ICU department for 3 years and averages about 36 hours a week. His days since the rise of COVID-19 have only consisted of sleep, work, over-time, eating, and rest. Josh was kind enough to answer some frequently asked questions about health care workers and how they are faring during this troubling time.
On average, how many patients per week do you have related to COVID-19 symptoms?
We usually have 2-3 a shift, per nurse, but our current census is 24 COVID patients.
What are some extra precautions that your hospital has taken?
They’ve provided us with an N99 mask, so we do not have to worry about running out of N95 masks. Each ICU room is equipped with negative pressure which pulls air into the room to prevent the spread of COVID at our nurses station. We have all the necessary PPE, and have ensured that we are well protected during this surge.
On average, how much overtime have you or your other coworkers taken on?
I worked 152 hours the last two weeks.
What is the procedure for when you are at maximum occupancy in your department?
We are already at maximum capacity. We are a 12 bed unit with 29 patients. Patients that require ICU care with COVID that come through the Emergency department will be held there until there is bed availability. If a patient deteriorates on the med-surg or telemetry floor the ICU Charge RN will watch the patient until we can appropriately staff for that patient. We will try to transfer a patient to the regular floor to accommodate the ICU patient. If the patient does not have COVID they will be admitted to our clean ICU for care.
How does this extra workload affect your mental health?
Nurses are burning out. I think I am quite resilient, but I am definitely feeling the effects of the increased workload. I have watched so many people die alone, but it becomes desensitizing because after the room is clean, another COVID patient is admitted within hours. It has been grueling dealing with increased census, with less staff. You become a nurse wanting to facilitate healing for people, but seeing so many people die and seeing the ICU fill up to the brim is disheartening. There is also added pressure that comes with knowing you could potentially get sick, or bring this to your family, so even at home, I don’t really get proper rest, which is why I’d rather just work. I am just weary about burn out or losing the touch of humanity that comes with the calling of becoming a nurse.
What are some tips or suggestions that you have for the public?
The best way to prevent the spread is by adhering to the recommendations of staying home. If you don’t come into contact with the disease, you won’t get it. If you HAVE to leave, wear a mask. If you know you will be in contact with someone, wear a mask. Wash your hands. Avoid the vulnerable population. Be consciously responsible. If you do get COVID, do not brush it off and function as normal. Make sure you safely quarantine and practice proper precautions. You may be asymptomatic, but the person you give it to might be intubated and on a ventilator for a month. The one thing I’ve witnessed firsthand is that COVID is no respecter of age, race, gender, status of health or socioeconomic standing. I have held the hand of a 22 year old before his last breath, and a 96 year old before hers. Do the right thing.
As you read above, nurses along with other healthcare professionals are holding on by a string but they continue fighting everyday for the public’s lives. They are taking on tremendous hours of work in order to help fight this pandemic. Please help us in this fight against COVID-19 by following the mandated health protocols. The writers here at E-CURE would also like to thank Josh for taking time out of his busy schedule and answering these questions as well as working hard everyday to help save lives. We would also like to thank all of the essential workers, especially our healthcare workers who are putting their lives on the line every single day.
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