"We're checking and rechecking physicians' orders that are based on
patients' constantly changing conditions," says Ms. Cory. "It's a lot to
keep up with."
ICU nurses, who are typically responsible for one patient at a time, are
forced to balance the care of three COVID-19 patients. Ms. Cory teams
up with an ICU nurse to lessen the burden. "I have a responsibility as a
nurse to do whatever I can do to help," says Ms. Cory. "I wouldn't be
able to live with myself if I stayed home. The ICU nurses … it's just so
much work for them. It boosts their morale when we tell them, 'I'm here
with you. I'm here to help.'"
Teamwork is essential in the OR, a factor Ms. Cory believes pre-
pared her for new role as nurse assistant. She received very little
training in critical care nursing, but pitches in by emptying Foley
catheters, retrieving medications, measuring blood sugar levels,
administering insulin, repositioning patients, performing basic mouth
care and assessing patients for pressure injuries.
"We have to do what's needed to make these patients better," says
Ms. Cory matter-of-factly. "The number of patients we're caring for is
unbelievable. It's difficult for us all — doctors, nurses. Everyone is
worn out. It's not easy, but we're getting by."
The 12-hour shifts she endures are grueling. The constant fear of
contracting COVID-19 is draining. "I think about it every day," says
Ms. Cory. "It's on everyone's mind. No one wants to get sick. No one
wants to bring it home."
Andrea Dyer, MSN, RN, is a traveling nurse who was working at
Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston when the outbreak hit. She
volunteered to work in the hospital's ER and swab patients in the
COVID-19 testing tent. "It was the right thing to do, and I had some
floor experience, so I thought I was the right person for the job," says
Ms. Dyer. "Turns out I was very underprepared for working in the ER."
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