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Nurse speaks out

To the Journal editor:

In these unusual times, many face the difficulties of delivering direct health care to those in need. Some work in areas not designed or outfitted for current conditions.

Some work in plastic gowns and respirators at the bedside remaining for long periods of time when patients are in extreme crisis.

We have never been tested for the coronavirus (unless they have two symptoms), never received hazard pay, purchased personal respirators, and frequently worked without adequate staff. We are doing our best in these trying days. We will continue to provide care to our Upper Peninsula community just as the community continues to care for us.

I would like to express a sincere thank you to all the organizations, businesses, community members, etc. for the wonderful support for those of us working in the COVID-19 units at UPHS-Marquette. Whether you have made masks, hats, filter covers, written a card, posted signs in a yard, or sent treats, each and every gesture/donation has not gone unnoticed.

Such kind thoughts and gifts have helped to ease the heaviness endured in the face of the suffering witnessed daily as we provide the direct care.

I want to remind the community it is more than nursing, respiratory therapists, and providers doing the hard work.

Other staff are required to work within the COVID-19 units: unit clerks; care aides; food and nutrition staff; phlebotomists; imaging techs; transporters; pharmacy techs; care managers; physical, occupational, and speech therapists; environmental services; bulk stores; and unit managers and all deserve thanks, too.

I am extremely grateful to each of these departments for the willingness to help those that are in need. When I am asked “What can the community do?” I suggest: please wear a mask when you truly need to be with others; pass on the traditional gatherings this year in hopes of many more in the future; thank all people that work in the COVID-19 units; and be patient with the rules we all need to follow.

This work is exhausting, frustrating, unpredictable, and draining, but I still consider myself to be fortunate. I am grateful to the many patients and families that have placed blind faith and trust in me/us to deliver very personal messages, offer honest hope, and provide presence when those they dearly love remain out of reach.

It has been (and is) a true honor to work as an ICU nurse.

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