Being A Healthcare Worker During Covid-19

I Am A Healthcare Worker

Today I was told that the life of my unborn baby doesn’t matter. Well, not in so many words. But in the actions of administration within the organization that I am employed by.

I am a healthcare worker – the specific title I hold is irrelevant. Time after time, I’ve sacrificed many things to provide care to those in need. It’s something I’ve always been able to pride myself on. And no matter what my patient’s needs have been, pertaining to their current health situation, emotional or spiritual need, or something as simple as a warm blanket, I’ve gone above and beyond more times than not. Not to mention, being complimented by patients, family, and coworkers on the care I’ve provided, which in turn makes my organization look good.

Now, here we are in the middle of a crisis. Little to no PPE. No clear direction as to who is critical enough to get tests. Health care staff who are already overworked are being forced to stretch themselves thinner than ever.

And, we are working for organizations who view us simply as numbers.

What about the nurse who takes care of their immunocompromised mother after work?

And what about the respiratory therapist who’s leukemia has been kept a secret?

What about the surgical resident with asthma?

And what about the phlebotomist who had a heart transplant as a child?

What about the dietary worker who needs to keep working until their 66th birthday next week?

Or what about the first time mother, with unanswered questions about what this virus can do to the baby shes about to give birth to.

I’m not saying that one at risk population is more important than the next, but what I am saying is that administration needs to listen.

Stop admitting people to the hospital for things that could be treated at home!

Please stop allowing PPE supplies to run dry, and asking staff to reuse them!

Stop running out of hand sanitizer, soap, and clean linens.

And stop viewing the people you have hired in your organizations as mandated servants, with no fears, families or concerns of their own.

I’m not trying to throw in the towel, infact I want to work every minute I’m safe to — I just want to work for an organization and healthcare system that will support and protect me.