Interviews in this series were conducted by Teresa Marcus, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Chelsea Kelly, Naturalist
A rose to show our appreciation to all medical professionals. Thank you for all that you do. We are grateful.
COVID-19 has brought waves of uncertainty throughout many communities. Historic London Town would like to take this time to record the voices of some in our community who have been deeply affected. In this series, we interviewed community members to gain their insight on how they have been affected by this global event. In today’s #CommunityConnection, we’re talking with an Intensive Care Nurse who wishes to remain anonymous.
Watch an Inspirational Video: 100th COVID-19 Patient Going Home
They have asked to include this inspiring video of the 100th COVID-19 patient being released from St. Agnes!
What do you love about your job? I love being able to get paid to care for people, to do my best to treat their physical and emotional well-being. I love being involved with organ donor services, and the miracle of regeneration of life. I also enjoy providing palliative care and supporting families and patients who are moving on from this plane of existence.
What is the biggest challenge of your job? A big challenge for me is seeing ongoing suffering of patients who have a poor prognosis, and the chance that their poor quality of life will persist for the rest of their days, and however long that may be. Our emotional attitude towards death and medicine as Americans I think is problematic and causes pain and suffering for both family and patients.
What is the hardest part of the COVID-19 situation?
There is a lot to be frustrated with in this pandemic. I find it heartbreaking that patients cannot be with their family members for support, because of high risk of contamination. I'm terrified that reusing PPE will cause harm to myself or my work family, and I am conflicted as a nurse when I can't rush to a patients' side who is in trouble, but have to take the extra minutes to make sure I am protected.
When this all ends what are you most looking forward to? It's difficult to look forward considering the future is so unpredictable. However, I look forward to having more tools to fight this infection, and for a vaccine to become available. I look forward to seeing my friends and family again when it's safe to do so.
What can people do to help your community? A lot of people have donated food, and even other household items like toilet paper and diapers. It is so deeply appreciated. My coworkers and I are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from the community.
Grow the ReLeaf Fund
Recently, London Town launched the ReLeaf Fund. This newly created fund was inspired by the cycle of renewal in our gardens. Donations to it will ensure that London Town will grow again. Funds will be matched up to $35,000! Learn more and donate today!
London Town: Today and Tomorrow Survey
You may have noticed an increase in our online postings lately. Will you take a short survey about what posts and virtual programs you'd like? You can also share your thoughts about re-opening London Town and what sort of programs you'd like to see after the crisis is over. Take the survey here