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Working Through the Unknowns

Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Helping

I’m a registered nurse at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI working on the inpatient gynecology/urology/oncology floor. Most of our patients used to be post-surgical.

Now that COVID is happening all non-emergent surgeries have been cancelled so our unit has not been very full lately. But we have a new normal.

We have to wear masks as soon as we are in the building and for the entire shift. We also wear eye protection and gloves in every patient room, more PPE for CPAP’s overnight, which takes a lot of time.

I’m doing so so. My floor does not directly take care of the COVID population but it is very possible that someone who tested negative one day could be positive the next. It’s a bit scary going into work because there are so many unknowns, but I’m a nurse because I want to help people. I’m not running away when the going gets tough.

I’m also a huge hugger so social distancing isn’t my favorite thing and I can’t wait to hug everyone again! I wasn’t surprised when Milwaukee's IrishFest cancelled, but I would be lying if I said it didn’t hurt! It’s my favorite weekend of the year, where you can find me teaching Ceili. I grew up Irish dancing so keeping it in my life is very important (my daughter has been dancing since she was 4 and she’s now 11).

I do think mental health services for all of us at the hospital would be fabulous, it is stressful not knowing what will happen. I know there have been meals delivered to my co-workers which is such a help. There are nights we can’t leave to grab food at our cafe overnight because there are only two of us in the floor or are too busy. I appreciate IrishFest for all they do! I don’t consider myself a hero. I’m just doing what I always do! I’m always an ear who listens or a shoulder to cry on if needed even if it looks a little differently than it used to. I hate wearing a mask all the time because patients can’t see my face!

~Amber H.

May 07, 2020

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