COVD-19 has impacted my life by striking fear into my heart and mind, along with some of my family. However, our spirits cannot be broken — keeping my family safe is the first priority. I am deeply frustrated and very sad about how this virus claimed the lives of thousands of people, separated families, and ruined the nation within a few months due to the negligence and selfishness of our current administration. Despite this crisis that has occurred throughout the world, I started to take better care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I recently asked an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) specialist about this situation and learned SO much more about the changes that needed to occur within hospitals as we face this pandemic.
1. How long have you been in the medical field?
I have worked at Inova Fairfax Hospital for 15 years.
2. What department do you work in?
My department is the intensive care unit as an ECMO Specialist, providing cardiac and respiratory assistance to patients.
3. What is your hospital's procedure in regard to COVID-19 patient care?
My hospital does strict isolation as part of their daily procedure.
4. What is the protocol if you (or another healthcare worker) shows signs of infection?
Staff is required to get tested. If they show any signs of infection, they need to stay off from work until the results come back. If the test is negative, they return to work. If they test positive, they stay home in quarantine for two weeks to recover.
5. Do you have enough PPE?
Yes. We make sure that all medical staff and patients have masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment.
6. What is the biggest change your day-to-day has faced because of COVID-19?
Because there are more people in the hospitals now, each day requires monitoring the health of patients, checking for any symptom changes, and helping them to recover much faster than usual.
7. Describe your hospital's atmosphere.
Busier.
8. How do you feel about the national news coverage of COVID-19? Accurate? Downplaying the situation?
The underestimation of the news coverage does not reflect on the work that medical staff is doing. The reports are not that accurate. They are often downplaying the situation.
9. What is one thing you wish you could tell the country about COVID-19?
This virus is deadly and should be taken seriously. Everyone needs to practice social distancing in order to remain safe.
10. How is your personal life impacted by COVID-19?
My personal life did not change. Quarantine is not different than before. I am grateful to be working and helping people.
11. Are there any stories of hope that you can share with us?
People are recovering in large numbers. There are many stories of survival. Patients have recovered and were sent home.
12. What advice can you give us for staying as healthy as possible?
Take medicine and stay at home. Listen to your local news. Places will reopen if people stay home and reduce the spread.
13. What can citizens in your area do to help healthcare workers fight COVID-19?
Stay at home to prevent further spread of the disease. The more that the virus slows down, the more lives we can save.
