Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1307977
November 9–December 14, 2020 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com 27 Zack Lott, RN, BSN, MICN CHARGE NURSE II, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Redlands Community Hospital Looking back on this year, what have been the biggest changes in your practice? The biggest change was lead- ing during a pandemic. Patient and staff safety has always been a top priority, but COVID-19 poses an increased risk to staff and patients. Running the emergency department during the pandemic has required almost daily changes to policy and procedures. Adapting to change and helping others was necessary to make sure every- one stayed safe. Tell us about the most inspirational thing you've experienced as a nurse during this pandemic. The ER nurses have gone out of their way to help each other during these difficult times. The teamwork has always been great in the ER, but it has improved immensely since the pandemic. The compassion I have seen has been inspira- tional. On a couple of occasions, I have seen nurses at the bedside in full PPE holding a patient's hand so the patient did not have to die alone — demon- strating our committment to caring science. What nonmedical support from family, friends or the general public has been most appreciated? We have received an outpour- ing of support from the com- munity. Local businesses have donated food, PPE supplies, cloth surgical caps and other items, which has helped lift the spirits of staff. One of our nurs- es' sisters made baked goods nightly for staff, which was really appreciated. How have you grown as a nurse since you started working in this profession? I feel I have grown to become a leader and a resource for other nurses. I am now able to run the emergency department effi- ciently and effectively. I cross- trained in ICU to gain better knowledge of critical patients, which has allowed me to help guide new nurses in their care. However, I am on a lifelong journey, and I realize there is still plenty of room to grow. Jesse Lopez, RN, DNP, ACNP TELEMETRY DIRECTOR Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles Looking back on this year, what have been the biggest changes in your practice compared to previous years? One of the biggest changes has been having to practice outside of our traditional infection control practices. Our staff were trained to adhere to rigid infection control practices, so adapting to new CDC guidelines allowing reuse of masks and gowns was an adjustment. Tell us about the most inspirational thing you've experienced or witnessed as a nurse during this pandemic. My staff's commitment to their patients, peers and the organization. In the early stages, when very little was known about the virus, staff were putting their lives at risk to care for patients with COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, the nurses have been pushed to their limits and never complained. They would tell me that they were not ready for COVID-19, but knew that they had to use their skills to take care of each patient's condition based on their training. What nonmedical support from family, friends or the general public has been most appreciated during the pandemic? The simple, kind gesture of local vendors providing us with warm meals and cool drinks as we work long hours caring for patients. How do you feel you have grown as a nurse since you started working in this profession? In my 20 years in nursing, I have learned so much at every stage: as a CNA, LVN, staff RN, educator, NP, manager and now clinical director. Each level and every person I have connected with has provided me with pearls of wisdom that have made me the nurse that I am today. CHARGE NURSE II, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Redlands Community Hospital ing during a pandemic. Patient and staff safety has always been a top priority, but COVID-19 poses an increased risk to staff and patients. Running the emergency department during the pandemic has required almost daily changes to policy and procedures. Adapting to change and helping others was necessary to make sure every one stayed safe. Tell us about the most inspirational thing you've experienced as a nurse during this pandemic. The ER nurses have gone out