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I am a nurse working on the front lines in our local hospital. COVID-19 has really changed our way of nursing. I must wear a mask, goggles and bonnet at all times. This is to protect myself and my patients. There is a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and in these unprecedented times, I actually am instructed to reuse my PPE, putting me and my patients at risk.
From the beginning of the pandemic, we were encouraged to prepare our hospitals. We discharged patients that were ready to return to their own homes with support, retirement homes or long term care. We created capacity for a wave of patients that we didn’t know how critical they would be.
The anxiety this created in the hospital was palpable. There was a staff outbreak and staff and patients became infected. Visitors were not allowed in. As a team, we grew closer as we said many prayers for our colleagues and patients’ good health.
As the pandemic continues and there is capacity in the hospital, there is a feeling of impending doom. No one is sure if/when there will be an influx of patients, how sick they will be and if we can cope.
The “no visitors” rule is a real struggle for me. When a patient is at end of life and only one dedicated family member is allowed; it goes against my beliefs.
I believe families should be able to be with their loved one at the end of life but it would increase risk. The things I can provide is prayer, compassion and support.
My faith keeps me strong through this terrible pandemic!
Follow the Public Health recommendations:
I found a prayer written by Rev Richard Bott that helps me through my day:
In this time of COVID-19, I pray:
When we aren’t sure, God, help us be calm;
When information comes from all sides, correct and not, help us to discern;
When fear makes it hard to breathe, and anxiety seems to be the order of the day, slow us down, God;
Help us reach out with our hearts, when we can’t touch with our hands;
Help us to be socially connected when we have to be socially distant;
Help us to love as perfectly as we can, knowing that “perfect love casts out all fear.”
For the doctors, we pray,
For the nurses, we pray,
For the technicians and the janitors and the aides and the caregivers, we pray,
For the researchers and theorists, the epidemiologists and investigators,
For those that are sick,
And those that are grieving, we pray,
For all those who are affected,
All around the world.
We pray
For safety, health, wholeness.
May we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked and house those without homes;
May we walk with those who feel they are alone,
And may we do all that we can to heal the sick.
In spite of the pandemic,
In spite of the fear,
Help us, O God,
That we might help each other.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
We pray,
May it be so.
Thank you Father Don for the check-ins to be sure my family and I are staying safe.
I wish the same for all my fellow parishioners, families and friends.
God Bless, Stay strong
Jackie
St. John Brébeuf PARISH
24 Millwood Rd, PO Box 269 Erin, ON N0B 1T0, Canada
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