Everyone is stressed. I have a couple of reminders for everyone…
The one bit of good news – there were many well patients who tested positive. I was FT attending when all these people called for their results (these patients were tested when the recommendation was to test virtually everyone).
You must take breaks during your shift. Eat. Drink. Rest. The never-ending line of patients will not change if you skip meals and bathroom breaks. Don’t worry about the board. Take care of sick patients. Take care of yourself.
Fight the natural inclination to come to work when you’re not scheduled (I’m talking to you Pierre). We need a reserve of healthy HCWs. Working seven shifts a week will just mess you up. We’re not that short yet.
You cannot stop death. It’s disheartening to see young, healthy people get super-sick. Do your best to help patients. You cannot do more.
We are all exposed to Covid19. If you get sick, stay home. I did. It’s the right thing to do. Don’t feel guilty.
Don’t worry about all the emails and all the policies (there are many flip-flops and ambiguities). Do what you think is right for the patient and you will do the right thing.
Talking to each other is great therapy. If you don’t want to talk to your loser classmates (if you don’t know who the loser is, guess what?), shoot me a line. Go to the park. Just remember, we are a team. No one person loses the game.
A video on how to keep your workplace clean and safe… https://youtu.be/_tqdOwOxY3s