#LongLiveHeroes: Stories from the front lines of the pandemic
For many people, working in healthcare is a calling. They’re driven to put in long hours in sometimes difficult conditions by a deep desire to help others.
But when an extraordinary event like a pandemic occurs, doctors, nurses and other personnel are also scared and sometimes overwhelmed, just like the rest of us.
Yet the men and women who staff our hospitals and clinics continue to go into work every day, setting aside their own concerns and selflessly caring for those in our communities — whether that means cleaning rooms, transporting patients, serving meals, screening for the new virus or performing emergency surgery. Here’s a glimpse at life inside Geisinger right now, on the front lines.
One day at a time
“I take it one day at a time, try to gather the correct facts and try not to let the media get me worked up. I signed up for this when I decided to be a nurse. It helps me to think of the difference we’re making in our patients’ lives right now. They’re what keep me going.”
– Olivia Decker, RN, is staffing a COVID-19 care tent outside Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Along with being grateful for the chance to help others, she’s thankful for support from the community, including people who drop off food for the caregivers working in the tent.
Patients always come first
“No matter if I’m working in the Emergency Department on a normal day or in a tent during a pandemic, our patients always come first.”
– Alicia Katz, RN, is working in a triage tent at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, where she screens patients for COVID-19 and cares for those with symptoms. To keep her loved ones safe at home, she uses a clean station in her garage, where she puts her work clothes, shoes and work bag before entering her house. Once inside, she heads straight for the shower.
It’s what I have to do
“People who know me know of my love for my family, especially my daughter and granddaughter. Right now, I’m sacrificing my time with them, but they understand completely. This is my job and it’s what I have to do. I love them, and the rest of my family, with all my heart and I need to do this to keep them safe. Knowing I’m doing my part during this critical time is what keeps me going.”
– Larry Reck, normally a Geisinger patient access representative, is now working in the screening tent outside Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. He admits that his new role is challenging, and he turns to prayer to stay positive, knowing that his attitude impacts his coworkers and patients.
