“I was out doing my Masters [degree] on a leave of absence when I got the call. I said absolutely – I’ve been waiting for this call. At home, you feel out of touch. You don’t know what news report is true and what’s not.
I just wanted to get back and get my finger on the pulse.
The reality of it all came the moment I saw the line at the hospital staff entrance. I felt proud of our hospital – we have masks being given out, we’re asking people important questions before entering the hospital. I came to the wards pretty dazed – closed rooms, signs on every door. It was a lot of learning for me after being out of the loop for two months. But I’m here, and it is good to be here. Even though there are a lot of sick people on the unit, the atmosphere is light – everyone is working together. A lot may have changed, but that hasn’t changed.
I was eager to come back because this is where I should be. This is my profession. I chose this. I want to help people. You feel like an imposter sitting at home – when people ask if you’re doing okay and you know you should be out there helping.
I have a partner at home. We have our own condos, and initially she said she wanted to stay at her own condo. Are we not going to see each other till this is over and they lift precautions? This is the life of a health care professional. My entry way is set up like an isolation room now. You enter, remove clothing, toss in washer, Lysol entry, shower, and then enter the “clean zone.” Home is no longer normal.
My one message to everyone is to stay positive. Stay strong, and have courage – this too shall pass.”
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