We got an urgent message about the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. They were short-staffed and needed nurses. I said, ‘OK, let’s go.’ It’s a little thank you in return. I was an LVN there while my kids were little. I was scared at first and didn’t know what to expect. But once we saw all those elderly, vulnerable people needing help, all those fears went out the window. Some of them hadn’t eaten or dressed. We worked as fast as we could and got them comfortable and gave them a keepsake — a teddy bear or photo of their loved one. We knew that this was their home. It brought back memories of my dad. Before he passed away, he told me, ‘You’re going to be a nurse. You have the love and personality to be a nurse.’ That stayed in my mind for a long time. Yesterday, I was like, ‘Dad, I did this.’ It reinforced my love of what I do for a living. It’s not going to work, but going to what I love to do.

I have learned that as a leader I have to reassure my staff and, at the same time, show them that I am just as vulnerable and concerned as they are — but if we all do our part, we will get through it. In our daily huddles we check on each other and ask about family. We talk about the information that’s coming at us in the news and social media, and we talk about what strategies are rolling out and why. After a while it does wear on you, so it’s important to lighten up and do something fun. We are here as a family and here to support each other.

I have been surprised by some people’s reactions to the pandemic. I have been on the phone with people who have cried, who were angry, fearful, or annoyed I was calling them. I have had myriad emotions. I’ve had moments when I’ve been proud, and crappy moments that I’ve had to ‘put it in my pocket.’ At the end of the day we wrap around each other and move forward. One of the lessons I learned was to work earlier with labor leaders to find solutions as we worked together to redeploy staff. I believe some of the best Partnership collaboration has come out of this.

I got a call they needed help at Aurora Centrepoint clinic, which has urgent care. I’ve helped with inventory to make sure they have enough personal protective equipment and filled a manual for greeters with the most current information on COVID-19 testing. I think it’s really insightful to be in the clinic and have firsthand experience in what workers are dealing with. It feels good to be on the front line. I’ve worked in health care for 15 years. This is the biggest crisis we’ve ever had. The most important thing is fighting COVID-19 and keeping our members and our staff healthy.

My supervisor asked me if I would do this surge planning assignment to help coordinate the regional labor pool. I said, ‘Of course, I’ll do anything I can to help.’ It’s a state of emergency. I feel it should be all hands on deck. I’m only one piece of this. It has been very time-consuming, but it’s very important. For example, we’re helping our pharmacies have enough curbside runners so members can get their medications in a timely manner. These are extraordinary circumstances. I’m happy to do what it takes.

I’m OK with the chaos and change of this situation — that’s the environment I thrive in. With all the changes that have come, we’re doing a great job. People are adjusting in the moment and really showing up for our patients. When you know that, you can’t be mad at anybody for a decision that’s made or a change that happens. Managing through the fear has been the biggest challenge. Some of our non-clinical staff rely on information from the media, and it’s confusing and has mixed messages. The best I can do is help alleviate the fear with the facts we receive from trusted sources in health care. I’m really proud of the way our staff have stepped up.