Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1307977
Januar Ma, RN, BSN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Looking back on this year, what have been the biggest changes in your practice? The biggest change is in how vigilant we are when it comes to safe- ty. In the ER, we make sure people are wearing the appropriate PPE, donning and doffing it properly, having a second person assist from the outside if possible and making sure to wipe everything down. Our hospital is not designed for such a pandemic, but nurses quickly adapt to change and make it safer for everyone. Tell us about the most inspirational thing you've experienced as a nurse during this pandemic. Social media has played a huge role in collaboration and sharing ideas among nurses. For instance, IV poles and pumps are supposed to be inside the patient's room, but someone had the idea to add extension IV tubing and place the pump outside the patient's room. After a picture was shared on social media, the idea caught on across the county, helping other nurses conserve their PPE. What nonmedical support from family, friends or the general public has been most appreciated? I want to say thank you to the communities that have supported hospitals during this pandemic, including local churches and organizations who have donated masks and all the local restau- rants who have donated food for healthcare workers. My stomach thanks you! How have you grown as a nurse since you started working in this profession? I have grown quickly, but I couldn't have done it without those who believed in me from the start and took that risk on a young, inexperi- enced nurse. Although I had my doubts, I would not be where I am today without them. I want to make them proud of me for giving me that chance. Michael Negrete, RN PERIOPERATIVE NURSE PIH Health Downey Looking back on this year, what have been the biggest changes in your practice? Social distancing. I used to give all my patients a good handshake and converse close- ly to avoid HIPAA issues, but with COVID-19, we've had to be more distant. We're also having to speak louder due to voices being muffled by masks. It can be very hard to hear when wearing a PAPR hood and other protective gear. Tell us about the most inspirational thing you've experienced as a nurse during this pandemic. It's really the small things that come at the right times. I came home one day to a very nicely decorated front-yard tree with a sign that read, "We love our nurses, thank you." The sign has since fallen, but the pretty blue ribbon still remains, in the place where my yellow rib- bon (I was in the military and deployed in '04–'05) once blew in the wind. What nonmedical support from family, friends or the general public has been most appreciated? I'd say the mental support we provide one another by reach- ing out, sharing the love, and keeping each other informed of what other family and friends are doing. How have you grown as a nurse since you started working in this profession? I remember my first days as a new grad. I was happy and nervous at the same time, so afraid of causing harm through my lack of experience. Asking questions, taking notes and having great mentors helped me grow exponentially. Now, I aim to provide the same to others. The main advice I give is to always take time to learn a little something more about your patient, never give up, keep your game face on and hustle, but don't be afraid to laugh and cry. Looking back on this year, what have been the biggest changes The biggest change is in how vigilant we are when it comes to safe- ty. In the ER, we make sure people are wearing the appropriate PPE, donning and doffing it properly, having a second person assist from the outside if possible and making sure to wipe everything down. Our hospital is not designed for such a pandemic, but nurses quickly adapt to change and make it safer for everyone. Tell us about the most inspirational thing you've experienced as a nurse Social media has played a huge role in collaboration and sharing ideas among nurses. For instance, IV poles and pumps are supposed to be inside the patient's room, but someone had the idea to add extension IV public has been most appreciated? I want to say thank you to the communities that have supported hospitals during this pandemic, including local churches and organizations who have donated masks and all the local restau rants who have donated food for healthcare workers. My stomach thanks you! How have you grown as a nurse since you started working in this profession? I have grown quickly, but I couldn't have done it without those who believed in me from the start and took that risk on a young, inexperi enced nurse. Although I had my doubts, I would not be where I am today without them. I want to make them proud of me for giving me that chance. 28 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com November 9–December 14, 2020