how to resuscitate a beating heart

The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged health care providers in ways we never anticipated. From the shortage of PPE, to the lack of ventilators, to the failure of leadership at the highest levels, we have witnessed defeat every step of the way. We thought our health care system was infallible only to discover gaping insufficiencies in our knowledge and preparedness. Now we question our ability to deliver care as we confront another massive surge in hospitalizations when we are facing a shortage of trained ICU nurses and techs. Who are already exhausted. Who are already beyond overworked. Who are totally tapped out. This is a problem because, let me assure you, we need them.

Look at this:

caixinglobal.com

The ICU staff is responsible for settng up this kind of equipment. For making sure all the wires and tubes are connected properly. For adjusting IVs, and administering meds. For knowing when the patient is in trouble, and when to summon help. Not many people are trained or adept at this kind of work under the best of circumstances...when they are well rested, and fed, and focused. But many of them are not. The influx of Covid-19 patients means they are rushed. They have to skip meals. They have to work multiple shifts without a break. There is no one they can call in to take over for them. I know I couldn't, which is why I want to remind all nurses that I believe:

"You're braver than you believe,

and stronger than you seem,

and smarter than you think."

~Christopher Robin~

Believe me, I know what it's like to be just that tired and hungry and frantic. I remember falling asleep at the nurses' station as my pen trailed on off the page while I was writing orders. I recall pilfering crackers and jello that were meant for patients in the middle of the night. I dozed off during lectures and on rounds. Trust me...you do not want your doctors and nurses to be exhausted, anxious, and frustrated if you end up in the ICU because you picked up Covid somewhere...

...which is why we should all continue to isolate as much as possible. We should wear a mask whenever we venture out and keep it on wherever we go, government mandate or not. We should wash our hands long, hard, and often. We should assure our family and friends we love them and miss seeing them. We should exercise compassion. We should use our brains. We should take every precaution to protect our family, friends, and neighbors. Our children. And our nurses, because:

"America's nurses are the beating heart

of our medical system."

~Barack Obama~

jan