As professionals caring for those affected by COVID-19 we owe you a debt of gratitude. Maybe your hospitals and clinics aren’t overflowing yet, maybe you haven’t seen your first case, but I suspect you are already bearing the emotional brunt of this storm. For those who have begun seeing cases, the storm in its entirety has arrived.
You have the difficult task of calming panic while simultaneously emphasizing caution and preparedness. In the hospital setting, preparedness likely includes continuing education and trainings that add to an already heavy workload. Due to quarantine protocols, many of you may be working in an understaffed facility as it is critical to ensure employees are healthy before they can care for others. Juggling work demands with the additional stress of arranging for childcare during school shutdowns must make getting to work even more difficult. Caretakers cannot work remotely. Showing up is the only option, and I am so thankful you are willing to do so.
I imagine there may also be a sense of urgency and frustration as your ability to care for the members of your community is limited by factors outside your control. Testing availability, insurance concerns, and possible staffing and capacity limitations must make the thought of a large-scale outbreak in your area daunting.
Thank you. Thank you for all the hard work that brought you into the medical field. Thank-you for continuing to offer your best despite this overwhelming list of personal stresses, which is certainly not comprehensive. Thank you for leaving your home every day and deliberately going to work in a facility where contraction of disease is a daily hazard. Thank you for devoting your energy, effort, and education to the welfare of others.
In the coming weeks and months, please remember:
- You are appreciated more than you know.
- The situation you find yourself in is not your fault.
- Do the best you can with what you have. That is all anyone can do.
- This is a marathon, not a sprint. You will be the biggest help to the greatest number of people if you take care of your own needs.
- Eat, sleep, walk outside, breathe.
Be Well,
