my people, doing their job

Readers of this blog who are in my phone contacts and see my WhatsApp statuses already know I'm super excited about the news from Penn State Health this week! It's been a noteworthy week for pharmacy employees. First, a pharmacist coworker was spotlighted in the Penn State Health news. If you're interested, here's the article on Darryle Tillman, whom I work closely with. The picture that was chosen is a perfect snapshot of a daily scene in the pharmacy. 

Karla Rivera-Rodriguez is the lead tech who keeps everyone in line. Rare is the day when she hasn't set Darryle straight at least once! I love her body language and the look in her eyes here. It looks like she's getting ready to deliver her famous line, "Darryle, get your **** together!" 😆 

The next event was the arrival of our covid vaccine, which made local news (article here). I'm so excited our hard-working team is getting some recognition and it makes me happy to share a glimpse of my world with you! 

A day later the first vaccinations were given to front-line employees, again making news (link here). There are several great pictures accompanying the article, but I think this one is the best because it shows the clean room and hood where we make our sterile products. (Click to enlarge).

I've spent many hours in that hood. Just imagine Megan is me and you'll get a precise visual of a day in my life! Darryle seems to have a knack for making headlines. Here's Kelsey again, too.

My excitement is mostly because I'm so proud of these people! The vaccine is not so much my focus, but I've been asked by several people if I'm getting it. The short answer is no, but I'll also give the long answer. 

We received 975 doses of the vaccine, which is a first dose. The second dose will arrive later and be given after a few weeks. At this time it is not mandatory for hospital employees, like the flu shot is, but if we want the vaccination it will be administered using a tiered plan. Those who work in CCU and covid units will get it first. Our department would be on a tier below those who directly interact with patients, and by the time it comes around to us I'll be moving on to my new job. I don't know what LVHN's policies are, but expect it to be similar. Although I don't plan to get vaccinated at this time, I want to make it clear I am not against it and have no use for the conspiracies being spread by people who are ignorant. Sorry if that offends you, but that's how I see it. However, I'll admit I'm slightly reluctant about something that is so new and would like to see its long-term effects before I get it. If it meant I didn't have to wear a mask anymore, I'd get it tomorrow, but that's not going to be the case. Those who get vaccinated will still need to wear a mask because they could have no symptoms but carry the virus. My knowledge is limited as to how long it will be before that changes, but it's not likely to happen soon. Yet I do think those who haven't had the virus or are vulnerable because of other health issues should get it as soon as it becomes available. 

I hear opinions from both the far left and far right about covid, drugs, the vaccine, and other hot topics and as someone who hates conflict it honestly makes me cringe. What would Jesus do if He was here? Thinking that way sometimes helps me find the path of peace. After all, He's the gentle man who calmed the storm, ate with sinners, and lived His life loving and healing. What an example!