Jefferson COVID Stories
The COVID pandemic has weighed on all of us in different ways. Why do you continue to do what you do?
Featured Response
Housekeeper, on how she can be there for her patients.
The reason why I continue to do what i need to do, is because they need us. As the hospitals have shut their doors to visitors, the only people our patients have are us. To these patients, we are strangers but good strangers. I have always put myself in other peoples’ shoes… and during this pandemic it couldn’t be a better time to do so. If my family member was in the hospital and I couldn’t visit them, I would want one of these HEROES to be there for them since I couldn’t.
– Michele Delp, Housekeeper, Environmental Services, Washington Township, NJ
Because I love what I do.
We are all in this together with the ultimate goal being quality patient care.
– Senior Medical Technologist, Blood Bank Transfusion Unit
It's all I can do. Providing support and genuine appreciation to our front line workers is so important in terms of keeping them motivated.
– Grants Administrator
Optimism. Because life’s challenges bring new opportunities. Because once the momentum stops, who knows what will happen. The world changes, so our work changes. There is no other option.
– Architecture student
I love working for Jefferson, we really have a great team in my office. My supervisor and I have great communication and I love that my job has administrative and artistic aspects to it. I relate to the challenges that our faculty experience due to working from home and being there for them has given me a piece of mind. I've made myself available to faculty with any tech issues they experience so that they have more time to dedicate to research and students, rather then figuring out how to set up a zoom meeting and waiting hours on the phone for someone to help. I'm happy to be there for my team and it's important for everyone to know that in this difficult time.
– Administrative Assistant, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Because this is not my will, but God’s will be done and I love the Lord cause he loved me first.
– NRCMA, Pulmonary
I continue doing what I do because I have a great set of colleagues to fight this battle with. Nursing school did not teach us how to handle things like this, and even my mentor (who's a ER nurse for over 20 years, and a professor at a nursing school) said the same thing. I have a great support group in work and outside of work to get me thru this. We stay strong together, we cry together, and we move forward together!!!
– RN, Emergency Department
I love to help others. Being a nurse is the best thing.
– Medical assistant, Urology
I can’t give up and do nothing. I have a family I need to take care of and support.
– Student
My nephew passed away from the virus. I have to take care of his children.
– CNA, team player
Our role has not changed, we care for sick patients. This is what we chose to do with our life care for the sick. Though we did not sign up for a pandemic we have learned to adjust. We are fortunate as Jefferson Health employees to be part of such a big enterprise. Being One Jefferson has never made more sense than it does today. Knowing the equipment has been allocated to the facility most in need is very reassuring. Being able to see my team in the appropriate PPE entering our patients rooms and myself having the appropriate PPE is why I am able to come back day after day and continue to love the career I chose.
– Nurse Manager, ICU/PCU at Abington-Lansdale Hospital
I see this as an opportunity to practice my chosen career and continue to take care of people in need.
– RN, GI Infusion
I continue to do what i need to do is because they need us. As the hospitals have shut their doors to visitors the only people our patients have are US. To these patients we are strangers but good strangers. I have always put myself in other peoples’ shoes… and during this pandemic it couldn’t be a better time to do so. If my family member was in the hospital and I couldn’t visit them, I would want one of these HEROES to be there for them since I couldn’t.
– Housekeeper, Environmental Services
I always wanted to be involved. Being able to come alongside someone, look them in the face, and say "I am here for you, let me know how I can help you" makes them and myself not feel so alone when faced with the daunting task of navigating through this new way of life.
– Critical Care Technician, Medical Oncology
I love doing what I do cause God gave me this heart to care for others.
– Medical Assistant, Wyncote Family Medicine
I absolutely love helping people feel better. I get a buzz out of seeing the light bulb go off in someone's head or making someone feel truly heard and understood. This has not been affected by the pandemic.
– Behavioral Health Consultant, Jefferson Geriatrics and Women’s Primary Care
It is has made me more grateful and appreciative of having the skill and training I do as an Emergency Physician to help others in need. I prayed daily before my shifts for God to keep me healthy so I could continue to be of use during the pandemic.
– Emergency Medicine Physician, Jefferson Cherry Hill
I feel that every little bit will help…Just speaking with concerned patients and answering their questions. I wish I could go to the front line and work close with my co workers.
– Scheduler at Woodcrest Center, Seamless Access
Families! How could I stay away from being a mother baby nurse?
-RN, Maternity in Washington Township, NJ
I am inspired by what people did to survive—and to support each other—during the Great Depression and WWII. For several years, people found simple ways to help out, to rely on each other, and to protect the common good. They relied on faith, culture, the arts, and hard work to get them through. I am inspired by the memories of my parents who lived through that time. We’ll get through this, as long as we pray, work, and practice solidarity with our neighbors.
– Doctor & Community Health Advocate, Department of Family and Community Medicine