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Monday, November 23, 2020

Work and Covid

First - my Dad does have covid.  He's doing ok and I check him at least daily by phone. Prayers for his recovery are very appreciated!


 Several of you have asked how things are going at work with Covid.

The good news is that although we have had staff test positive, we have had no residents with covid.  Our corporation will not let anyone with active covid be admitted, so I'm thankful for that.  We have had a few admit to rehab following a bad case. They no longer have covid, but are recuperating from the results.  They have feeding tubes, have been on a vent and are very debilatated.  It's wonderful to see them recuperate, get rid of tubes and be able to get around again.  One is going home on Wednesday, so it will be a happy Thanksgiving for her family!

Like health care workers all over the country, we are tired. There is so much extra work that goes with this, and the chronic shortage of staff is even worse.  Every time someone has symptoms, they are unable to work, even if they test negative.  Others have been in contact with someone and can't work because of that.  I am supposed to work about 34 hours a week, last week it was 48.  There is the feeling that you will never get done what you are supposed to do, because more keeps getting added.


Here I am, in my office.  I'm lucky to be in an office, because I can remove the goggles, the mask and the gown in there.  The nurses and aides on the floor have to wear this stuff all the time, and their work is quite physical, so it's hot wearing this.  And it's just hard - you can't see clearly through the goggles, people can't hear you, things sound muffled.  Also - as of Monday, we now have to wear  an N95 mask all the time.  The mask I'm wearing in this photo is so much easier to wear and breath in. The N95 is very tight, hot and causes many people to have skin breakdown where it hits the face.   Many of our residents are scared of this look, they are also sad because they can't see their family.  It's a hard time, and we never thought this would still be happening so many months after it started.


This is my portable Fit testing station.  I got to work last Monday and was told that I had to fit test all employees for N95 masks by Thursday.  Up till now, we could wear the dispoable masks, but with the latest surge, we are being required to wear the N95s and there is a procedure that needs to be gone through to ensure that the mask fits properly to protect the wearer.


This hood goes over the head, and a bitter scent is instilled via something that aerosols it.  Once I know they can smell or taste it, we fit the mask, then go through a series of motions to ensure the mask stays tight and they don't smell anything.

I did about 80 of them last week.  I just need a few people who work on call to come in for testing and I can cross that off the list.  Of course, doing all this got me behind in other places.  
So - that's what things are looking like for us, it seems to be one step forward, 2 back.

However - one other piece of exciting news for us, was that our little facility was listed in US News and World report as one of the 50 best Rehab facilities in the United States!  We aren't sure how we even got noticed, but it made us all happy!

19 comments:

Debi said...

Will keep your dad in my prayers. This virus has got to end soon. I don't know how health care workers are managing. I have two nieces who are RNs (one in NYC), my daughter in law works in our local ER and another daughter in law works for an agency that takes care of special needs people. They are all exhausted. Will keep you in my prayers too, Stay safe.

Deb J. in Utah said...

I wear an KN95 mask all day at school. Our district gave all the teachers KN95s at the beginning of the school year, and I ordered some more on my own. I am one of the few teachers that haven't gone back to cloth or surgical masks. Now that I am used to the KN95, I find them much more comfortable than other kinds of masks, and I can also speak and not have it slip down - something important when teaching. We were also given face shields to wear with the masks - that was just too hot and restrictive. I felt like I couldn't breath. I am so looking forward to having this whole thing over. THANK YOU for all you are doing in this health crisis. As a nurse you are right there on the front lines - risking your life and health to help others. You are awesome! Thank you and God bless you!

Jean said...

Oh Mari, this sounds so very difficult. I'm also thinking of the physical challenges you've been having on top of this. THANK YOU for taking such good care of your residents!! And how wonderful that you got noticed!! Congratulations!!

It is so sad that it's going on and on for people who can't see loved ones. My sister and I were saying the other day that we're actually glad Grandma Mary didn't have to go through any more isolation. Quite a few have died from that facility, and there were only 18 total. So very sad. Sometimes it still seems unbelievable that she's gone and it catches me by surprise.

I PRAY your dad's case will be mild!!!

Arlene G said...

Congrats on your well deserved award Mari. My heart goes out to you as you have to wear all that extra clothing and still do your regular work. It is hard I know. I told my friends the other day that I would be first in line to take that vaccine. I see that Astro Zenica has come up with another good and cheaper vaccine. Praying they are available soon, espeically to the nurses/doctors and all care givers.

Joyful said...

I can understand all the challenges and stresses you and many of our heroes in the front line services are undergoing. I hold you all in my prayers. I'm glad to hear your father is doing okay. I really feel for all the seniors who cannot see their loved ones and who are afraid. I just pray this Corona can be defeated soon. Hugs. xx

Ginny Hartzler said...

Prayers for your Dad, I am sorry. You are my HERO!! Brave and hard working, caring for others who need you.

Susan said...

I have been praying for you Mari and have been thinking about how you were doing. That is great that your unit has done so well. My daughter works for a OB and done well. She is an office across from the hospital. Doctors that go back and forth have to wear the N95. My niece works for the country hospital and she asked me to make cloth mask in the beginning of Covid when there was a shortage. Thank you for your heartfelt service!

Hootin Anni said...

This is torture for those afflicted...AND for all of you who work in the medical field!! You have my sympathies AND admiration for what you do. Also, praying for your dad (and family)

Linda said...

Keeping your dad in prayer...I think it is safe to say, we are all weary of this...sigh.

Changes in the wind said...

Will pray for your Dad and you too. What a job you have and the covid makes it 5 times harder. Congratulations on the award. I hate wearing a mask and the one you have to use sound horrible.

Sylvia said...

So very sorry to hear about your Dad and praying for him. And for you as you cope with Covid at work all the time. It must be an amazing place you work to be commended so well. Well done all of you. Take care Mari and love and prayers

Jenny the Pirate said...

God bless your dear dad, and Ann, and give them healing and encouragement.

The rest? I can't even. Better I don't get started ... but you are always in my prayers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY~!

xoxo

Terri D said...

Count on my prayers for your dad, Mari. God bless all healthcare workers and congratulations to you, the staff, and your facility for being recognized for the great work you all do. I think masks are going to be with us for a long time to come and that makes me sad. xo

Doris said...

Oh Mari, my heart goes out to all working in healthcare. I pray the end will soon be in site. Hugs and prayers sounds so inadequate but they do come from my heart ♥
Will be praying for your dad!

Connie said...

Prayers for the nursing home staff. When is it going to end. Ken is getting over COVID. But he had severe fatigue and confusion. It isn’t pretty. Prayers for your dad as well. Stay safe...

Ramblings of a Retired Lady said...

praying for your dad. congratulations for being recognized for the long, hard work you do - it is certainly deserving.

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

Wow. Just God bless you Mari. And everyone there for all that you do. I pray the Lord lift you and support you all everyday. I can't even imagine how exhausting it all is. I pray extra for all health care workers everyday. I also pray for a vaccine and end to all of this so very soon! Stay well and keep your chin up and your eyes on Him. 🙏 ❤️ xoxo

LL Cool Joe said...

Praying for your Dad, Mari.

You are doing an amazing job and deserve being recognised for the hard work you do.

Rebecca said...

I am slow to comment, but check in now and then.
I've prayed for your Dad and for you, your staff, and residents. How difficult!
I'm so glad my Dad is living with us.
OurThanksgiving Day was Very lowkey. But we are thankful for so many, many blessings an content to wait. ❤️🙏