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Tribute to our Parish Nurses on the Pandemic Frontlines

Tribute to our Parish Nurses on the Pandemic Frontlines

National Nurses Week May 6 to 12 provides an opportunity to honor the work of our nurses. We are privileged to support Christian nurses who are a source of inspiration and encouragement. 

In 2020 as we all experience the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are on the front lines caring for patients.

We are so grateful to ALL the nurses and first responders in our community who care for us and keep us safe.  Thank You!!

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”      II Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Three RB Community volunteer Parish Nurses share their thoughts and observations from the front lines.

Leah Brown, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, Sharp Memorial. 

I am humbled and honored to work with dedicated and strong clinicians who strive everyday to provide the best care possible to all our patients - those with COVID-19, those "under investigation" of having it, and our other critically ill patients, who are just unfortunate enough to be hospitalized during very challenging times.  Because visitation is restricted, one of the things that is particularly difficult is seeing patients go through such a tough time without family by their side.  Sharp Memorial is a very "person-centered" organization, we value the benefits of having family and close friends at the bedside. 

So, the nurses and staff right now are going the extra mile to bring comfort and support to both the patients and their loved ones.  We are able to facilitate Skype or Zoom visits via an IPad, we encourage letters, pictures, and reminders of home, and the nurses ask about favorite tv shows or music to play and bring some sense of normalcy to a very stressful situation. 

We have also been cheered by gifts and tributes from our community.  This past week we had pilots fly over the hospital, last week firefighters blew the sirens and flashed their lights to thank us for our work.  We are all in this together, and I have been witness to the very best of humanity and compassion”.

Karen Erickson, Advanced Clinician - Vascular Access Services, Sharp Memorial

“I am so impressed with the "keep calm and carry on" of our health care professionals.  I observe great positivity and willingness to serve, especially in the COVID-19 units.

We are very grateful for all the meals provided by churches and restaurants. Their thoughtful generosity help keep us going!

The no visitor policy is difficult for many patients who are separated from their family and friends. The human touch is especially needed right now. We try to find ways to give extra emotional support such as stopping by the doorway just to say hi, or listening and holding a hand when patients feel alone”.   

Karla Hays, School Nurse, The Cambridge School, Rancho Penasquitos

“I began receiving phone calls from concerned parents in January as the virus was spreading overseas. Through collaborations with colleagues, we provided information to students, faculty, and staff as the virus situation began to evolve in the United States.  We did hand washing classes with all grade levels. One day, a parade of 3rd and 4th grade students marched down the hallway chanting, “Wash your hands!”

We created a COVID-19 Task Force with school administration to discuss the difficult decisions that needed to be made—That process continues as we prepare for the next phases. It’s been interesting to see and be a part of public health in action during this time.