Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1307977
November 9–December 14, 2020 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com 37 ➜ Michael Zunde, RN, BSN, CCRN TRAUMA INTENSIVE CARE Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Looking back on this year, what have been the biggest changes in your practice? Patients are spending their hospital stays alone, which ampli- fies the fear and loneliness they endure. Providing comfort and reassurance has always been part of nursing care, but making time to stay at the bedside while families FaceTime, listening to stories, telling jokes, and making personal con- nections have all become more essential than ever. Tell us about the most inspirational thing you've experienced as a nurse during this pandemic. I found inspiration in the dedication and selflessness of my coworkers. Not once did I hear anyone mention tak- ing leave until the crisis subsided. Our nurses showed up day in and day out, often working extra hours during surge conditions. What nonmedical support from family, friends or the general public has been most appreciated? At the onset of the pandemic, my wife (who is also an RN) and I were fearful of being silent carriers of the dis- ease. Our family and friends were incredibly thoughtful in bringing us groceries and meals so we could stay away from the public. They offered to help watch our toddler and lifted us up in thanks and prayer. How have you grown as a nurse since you started working in this profession? While I've sharpened the technical skills my role requires, two important skills I have refined in my eight years as an RN are a composed demeanor and confi- dence in my communication ability. When a patient is crashing, it is vital to set aside your emotions and approach the crisis with a calm and level head. I've also come a long way in my ability to have conversations with patients and families about difficult subjects, such as end- of-life issues or substance abuse. WN M E N IN N U R S I N G 20 20 think pandemics will ever become a thing of the past," he says. Ricardo Alan De Barros hopes "that our community learns to better prepare for anoth- er pandemic, and that in the future, people do not panic and hoard toilet paper and water, putting the population at even greater risk." Some respondents hope the lessons of this pandemic will lead to significant systemic changes. "Sometimes, to improve a system, you must first test its limits and find out where the weaknesses lie," says Mike Estona. "I hope this horrible situation results in lasting improve- ments not only to the healthcare field, but also to the supply chain we rely upon for criti- cal medical supplies." Aaron Acquisto takes a more philosophical position. "I would like to see humankind emerge with a much greater sense of connec- tion," he says. "Stop and greet someone, say hello, wave or provide a helpful gesture or compliment. These are things that society needs more of: compassion and positivity in action!" "A skip trip to Mammoth sounds pretty wonderful!" —BILL PAIGE WN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD cont'd. Ricardo Alan De Barros, Henry Mayo