this week in the hospital

This has been a most unusual week, yet I feel lucky that my daily life is much the same. The most outstanding change has been all the new policies and procedures put into place at work. Maybe some of you would find it interesting to hear what hospitals are doing to prepare for a pandemic.

One of the first changes to take place was limiting visitors to 1 per patient (2 for pediatrics). Then the main hospital doors were locked and all patients and visitors had to go through a screening to get inside the building. A tent was set up at the ER entrance and those who showed symptoms like fever or shortness of breath were taken aside for further examination. Early in the week a new employee travel policy was put in place. One of the things it stated was if you had traveled to an amusement park, been on a cruise, or in one of the areas with a high incidence of COVID-19, you would be quarantined for 14 days. This applied to one of my coworkers, who had been to Disney the week before and already come back to work. She's perfectly fine and has no symptoms, but has to stay home until 14 days past the date of her return. Since she had come back to work before this new policy took effect, those who were in close daily contact with her have to wear a mask and take their temperature twice a day. The travel policy is very restrictive. Basically you can't travel outside of the state without notifying your manager.

Leaders were encouraged to give access to their staff for working remotely. Management is working on getting some of our pharmacists set up to work from home. Since we technicians do the actual hands-on part of the job, that's not a possibility for us.

Some very noticeable changes were happening in the cafeteria. Tables were cleared of salt and pepper and ketchup bottles and we're now using packets. We're no longer allowed to serve ourselves at the salad bar or help ourself to bagels, etc. Personal drink cups are not allowed; to get coffee, water, or ice you have to use a single use cup. We can use our badges to pay for food, but the cashier can no longer swipe them for us. Half of the tables and chairs were removed to allow for social distancing. Employees are encouraged to not eat in the cafeteria since it's considered a public area.

By the middle of the week, all non-essential surgeries were called off. Later this week the gift shop was closed and a "no visitor" policy was enacted with exceptions for labor and delivery, pediatrics, and end of life.

Drive-through testing is offered in the parking lot from 8 am to 4:30 pm. This prevents potentially sick patients from entering the hospital. You must have a doctor's order to get the test done.

Our leaders are doing an excellent job preparing for a potential influx of patients and trying to protect employees from exposure. Even though many changes are happening, the atmosphere is calm and people are going about their jobs as usual. It's actually been less busy than normal since people are staying home and surgeries are cancelled.

Maybe with all the strict guidelines the government has put in place we'll weather the COVID-19 crisis without much disaster. That is the point of isolation and precaution, after all. I know some people might find the quarantine frustrating and boring, but this too shall pass! And it may pass sooner if we all take it seriously. However, there is no need to panic. Now is the time to put our belief into practice and trust that God will take care of us. And with spring arriving early, it's a great time to get outdoors and work on those projects we've been putting off! Here's a quote I often think of and agree with 100%. There's no reason to be bored in a world as wonderful as this!

One last plea: if you are healthy and able to donate blood, please consider doing it. Many blood drives have been cancelled and inventory is low. It is estimated the nation has only a 2 day supply presently. I believe blood donation centers remain open. Google "blood donation near me" to find a location.