Jefferson COVID Stories
Can you describe a moment of connection you've witnessed either professionally or personally during this time?
Featured Response
A Dietitian and her Family Find Connection Amid Crisis
My name is Emily Rubin and I have been a dietitian with the G.I. division for over 19 years. I actually have a nice story about my parents since COVID -19.
My mom––Fran Schein––who is a patient with Jefferson doctors was an art teacher and made this ‘Thank You’ sign for our doctors. This is a picture of her and my stepdad Artie Schein (also a patient at Jefferson) holding the sign with me, staying safe.
My dad, Ronald Sherr, (also a patient of many Jefferson doctors)––cancer survivor and a professional photographer took these pictures as part of a porch project: photographers who take pictures from their car. He volunteered his time and took pictures of some of our Jefferson Frontline Doctors and nurses.
Here are some of the pictures he took.
Dr. Malliah (Gastroenterology with her family
My twin boys
Dr. Christina Tofani (Gastroenterology) and Dr. Colin Huntley (Otolaryngology) with their daughter
Dr. Colin Smith (Gastroenterology) with his wife and daughter
Lisa Skillens (Labor and Delivery Nurse) with her family
I was on the Labor & Delivery floor during the first few weeks of the COVID outbreak. One of the patient interactions I will never forget during this time was that we delivered a beautiful baby girl to two first-time parents and they were so overwhelmed with joy following the birth of their little girl. We had established a great rapport with them through her labor course, and after the birth she and her husband asked if we could all take a picture together (including her nurses, the attending and myself who delivered the baby). It was such a touching moment, but even more-so because when we went to smile for the camera we realized that nobody could see our smiles behind our masks. The mom just laughed and said "that's okay, we can see it in your eyes."
-Intern, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Featured Response
Dr. Danielle Snyderman on Finding Light
I finally picked up my camera after a tough couple of weeks. I cycle about 50 times a day between worry and hope. One of the things I love most about photography is looking for the light. It’s about being present in the moment, seeking the right framing, and creating something in a way it’s never been seen before.
In this case, it’s my big kiddo, and a metal colander, and lo and behold we used the shadows to create light in a place we never thought to look.
To my friends and colleagues in health care in these trying times, may we all ground ourselves in the quest to keep searching for the light.
– Danielle Snyderman, geriatrician, Department of Family and Community Medicine
There was one day where I felt impending doom from the moment I woke up. I didn't move off the couch. It took a full day of anxiety, depressive thoughts, isolation, tears, and self destruction for me to be forced in to a discussion with a friend. And that friend was someone I was not close with before the pandemic. And to have someone talk me through my thoughts, understand my feelings, and make me laugh was what I needed. I would have not made that connection if it weren't for this pandemic. With all tragedy going on in the world, I just hope more of those connective moments can be made.
– RN, TJUH Pool Team
I miss going with the staff on rounds. Seeing pictures of staff in the media, or on a site like this, I feel like I can look through a window at them. The faces over the masks....... I see you and know you.
–BSN, Clinical Documentation Specialist
When a local nursing facility needed to close its doors last Wednesday, the inpatient hospice unit received the call we had been preparing to take: Our first COVID positive patient. Little did I realize our first COVID 19 patient would actually be three COVID-19 patients all admitted that same afternoon.
The most touching aspect of these three admissions was the tears of joy that one daughter shared. She could finally spend time with her mother. She had not seen her for 5 weeks. Her mother only lived for 5 more days but her daughter repeatedly told the nurses this was her silver lining, she was able to comfort her mother in her final days.
The first exposure to COVID 19 patients can be stressful and frightening, but the gratitude of this daughter made our experience so rewarding.
– Inpatient Hospice Nurse
The RN Nurse Pool and the MA Float Pool became a family. Since we float all around Jefferson and never had met each other but we became family during this crazy time.
– Medical Assistant, MA Float Pool Team
More than before, I have felt connected with strangers walking by on the street (6-feet apart, of course). While I was used to the classic wave that runners give as they cross paths, all neighbors and walkers give each other a hello, proof of the need for people to connect.
– Student, Jefferson College of Population Health
How fast heroes started coming from every department, as well In the community and helping each other.
– First Responder, Security Department
Connecting with our management team as they were just as afraid as us.
– Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Medicine
Having Virtual Easter dinner with our daughter and her boyfriend in Jersey City. She can't come home because of their unavoidable secondary exposure and my husband is especially at risk. It was so good to "see" her and talk. Thank you technology!
– Employee, Clinical Documentation
I have gotten to know my colleagues in new, wonderful ways since the start of the COVID quarantine/isolation. In Zoom meetings, I am 'welcomed' into their homes, I get to meet their family (some of the little ones know me by face/name, now; that would not have, otherwise been the case), you get to meet their furry friends as well. I have often spoken to the students about getting to know our patients as people first - people with personal stories, not just medical diagnoses. This time has taught me to apply this to the people with whom I spend so much time working...getting to know many of them much better as people with personal stories, not just 'work colleagues'. For this opportunity, for this 'lesson', I am most grateful! And, I must say, the 'hellos' from the little ones as they may be sitting on their mom's or dad's lap, never cease to bring HUGE rays of sunlight to some pretty dreary days!
– Administrator, Jefferson Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education