WDH 2020-2021 Nursing Report - Flipbook - Page 5
“Last night was the most surreal shift that
I have ever worked. I had TWO intubated
COVID+ patients in a room intended for
one. Other nurses doubled their patient
load last night...some nurses have had to
triple their load on other nights. Within 24
hours, two patients passed away in that
single room and another COVID+ patient
quickly filled that empty space. The nurse
that was there on day shift gave report
to me and apologized in advance in case
there was anything that she had missed.
She apologized even though she had done
the best job possible for these patients
under extraordinary circumstances and
had experienced a situation that morning
that I hope no healthcare worker ever
has to experience in their careers...yet she
continued on. We both just looked at each
other and our eyes welled with tears. The
heartache is indescribable. But I have
never been more proud of my unit and
hospital than last night. Staff came from
all different floors of the hospital and my
coworkers gave so much of themselves,
to our patients and in supporting one
another at the cost of their own mental
health, and time spent with their children,
spouses, friends, and families.
"I have never wept
at work before, but
yesterday I wept.
I wept for my
patients. I wept
for their families.
And I wept for my
coworkers."
Photo credit: Deb Cram for Foster's and Seacoastonline.com
The week prior, I worked an 18-hour shift, went home
to sleep four hours, and then went back to another
14-hour shift. I'm not saying this to gloat. I just
think this is the new "normal" for many of us. I have
never wept at work before, but yesterday I wept. I
wept for my patients. I wept for their families. And
I wept for my coworkers. We have never seen such
rapid declines in our COVID patients before and in
the past two weeks, we have lost so many. I met with
two families for the first time the other day and had
to tell them both that they may need to say their
goodbyes, as they looked at their loved ones through
a glass door. I have never felt so helpless.
But I'm also thankful...thankful that I can also say
that I have never felt more loved, supported, and in
love with my job. I know I am incredibly blessed to
feel that way.
I can't believe that what is happening right now is
even real, but I couldn't choose better people to go
through this with.”
Christine McCarville, BSN, RN
Critical Care Unit,
Clinical Practice Council Chair
2020–2021 Nursing Annual Report
5