patients, tasks she hasn't performed since
nursing school. "It's sad to see patients
who are very sick, but I'm glad to
help," she says.
Ms. Borgonos is not used to
working 12-hour shifts, which
have been physically and men-
tally demanding. It's nearly
impossible to stay hydrated or
grab a quick bite to eat during
the five hours between breaks
when she's layered in a gown,
N95 mask and full face shield.
She never has two days off in a
row. She works night shifts after
day shifts. When she finally climbs into
bed, rest is fitful. "It's hard for me to
sleep," she says. "I wake up often knowing I
have to be back at work in a few hours to do it
all over again, to try to make it through the day
Pandemic Response
"It's impossible to sit back and watch people
suffer when you have the skills to help
make things better."
— Megan Siddel, RN, ADN
M A Y 2 0 2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 2 7