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Sunday, April 5, 2020

What's going on at work?

I thought I would give you another update from work.  For anyone new who is reading, I'm a nurse at a Skilled Nursing Facility.  We have one section for long term care (nursing home) and another section for skilled nursing.  This is for people who have recently had surgery and need rehab, they may need IV antibiotics for a period of time, have a wound that needs more care that can be given at home...  My position is unit manager/infection control nurse.   The infection control part has been very busy with the Covid 19 going on.
We don't have anyone sick with it in our facility or our staff, but it's probably just a matter of time until we do.  Because people can spread it for 2 weeks before they are symptomatic, it's very hard to avoid.
To try to keep it out, our front doors are locked.  We can have no visitors.  Even the beautician can't come.  Only regular staff, the doctor and the lab are allowed in.  Each of us has to take our temp and do a mini health survey when we come, after 8 hours and again when we leave.  All of our residents are also checked every 8 hours.
The latest thing is that all staff have to wear a mask all the time.

Here I am in my mask.  Excuse the selfie with the hand in the way.  (I'm no good at them).  Excuse the hair too - I need a haircut and can't get one!
Anyway - we are also using cloth masks to save on supplies.  We've had a wonderful outpouring of help.  People in our town are making us masks, a friend from church had her bible study ladies sewing masks.  It takes a bunch to take care of everyone in the facility!

We're also trying to do fun things for our residents. They can talk to their family but can only see them if they come to the window to wave at them.  They are already trying to recuperate and now they can't have visitors.
We are having special themes every day. We also have special treats that some people bring around every afternoon. Every day we print a little booklet of word searches, jokes, trivia that gets handed out.

This was crazy hair day.


This was sports day - passing out popcorn.
Our residents are really handling things well so far.  We hope it doesn't last too long!

21 comments:

Deb J. in Utah said...

Mari - thanks so much for all the care and concern you are giving your patients at this very difficult time. I love the way you are trying to keep everyone's spirits up. You are truly a blessing to those you serve. Thanks for sharing. Please stay safe and well. Hope to hear from you again very soon.

Sandi said...

Glad to hear you have no cases there! God bless you and keep you.

Your hair actually looks pretty fabulous there. 😊🌸

Terri D said...

It is heartening to read that your facility has not been infected. You are all working hard to see that it stays that way! God bless you and all the staff and patients. God bless all of our medical professionals and all staff who are on the front lines with this disease. Thank you for taking such good care of loved ones.

Phoebes World said...

Well done and Thank you for everything you do Mari...and Praise God your facility has no cases
Stay well and stay safe
Phoebe x

LL Cool Joe said...

I'm glad everyone in the home and you yourself do not have the virus, long may that last! My mother's nursing home is on lockdown too. Of course she will be unaware of what's going on, which is probably just as well.

I hope you stay safe. And keep up the good work you are doing.

Ramblings of a Retired Lady said...

We are thankful for medical workers in every aspect and thankful that your work place is still CD-19 free and I pray it can stay that way. You are working hard to keep the attitudes up and that in itself is not easy....bless all of you for that. Praying for you and all involved.

Kelly-Anne ♥ The Diary of a Country Girl said...

So wonderful to hear how people are coming together to bless and encourage others who are taking strain in this time!l... Keep up the good work, Mari!

Linda said...

I am so thankful for the hard word nurses and doctors do...and I am so proud of you, Mari. The virus is running rampant here at the nursing home--of course the news is trying to supress it.

Oh, EVERYTHING is closed here, including the barbershops and beauty salons, I am afraid we all will be looking like shaggy da's here...week 4 of the total shut down here. Keeping you in prayer, Mari.

Changes in the wind said...

Am so glad you posted, I was beginning to worry as it had been a while. You and your staff do an amazing job!

Arlene G said...

My heart goes out to all those precious people who cannot see their families right now. Love that yall are making things fun for them.

Kerin said...

Good job! You and your co~workers, and facility are doing a good job with all that is going on, and I'm sure that the clients and their loved ones appreciate your attention to detail, and the care that you are all exhibiting!

Smiles, and well wishes.
~K.

Dianna said...

Remarkable! Thank you for the update so that we know how you are doing, as well as everyone else at the facility. You are in my prayers, Mari. xo

Mitzi said...

I have had you and your facility on my mind many days,so glad things are going well there.

Judy said...

I'm glad you are doing okay as well as your co-workers and the residents/patients. Sounds like you work with a bunch of really great people, and have great friends to make masks. Thanks for keeping us posted as to how you are doing.

Susan said...

I think your mask picture came out really nice! My aunt came out of her rehab time just before they closed the doors to family. I am making cloth mask too. I made some for my daughters work at an OB office. Now I am making them for family since it is now mandatory to wear them in public places. Thank you and your crew for all you do!

Debi said...

Bless you for the care you give to your patients. My mother in law was in a facility much like yours and it was the little things that made her stay there more pleasant. Stay safe and well.

Doris said...

You know the activities department has my heart....glad you are having fun even through this stressful time! Each one, no matter the position and job description, is filling a big need right now. And being family too..God bless you all!

Henny Penny said...

Mari, I've thought about you several times lately, knowing that you are a nurse. You look pretty in your mask, by the way. The folks staying at the facility there are certainly in good hands. The girls working there look so friendly and kind. You take care and please stay safe.

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

God bless all of you! And all you're doing dear Mari! Love the theme days - what a great idea. 🎉 Prayers for everyone to stay safe and healthy 🙏

Laura said...

I love the crazy hair. You all are the best at taking care of your people and keeping things fun!

Jenny the Pirate said...

Again I'm late to the party and getting caught up, but it doesn't surprise me that you and your colleagues rose to every challenge and kept on smiling! xoxo