Jefferson COVID Stories
Through all the COVID uncertainty, what do you feel has made your work/studies meaningful over the past couple of weeks?
Featured Response
Veterinarian Judith Daviau on the search for a vaccine
The treatments, cures and vaccines for COVID19 all involve the use of animal models prior to their use in human beings. While the scientists conduct this important work, the staff of the animal facility must provide care for these important animals. Researchers at Jefferson are making great progress in this work and couldn't do so unless my team and I came to work and provided for these animals. My team is definitely a part of the 'behind the scenes heroes' during this difficult time.
– Judith Daviau, Veterinarian, Office of Animal Studies
In spite of everything that is happening with COVID with the amount of cases, deaths, precautions, and social distancing, strangely enough ~ something good has come from all of this for myself. I've reconnected with my old friends who motivated me to to be a physical therapist. They've told me how proud they are of me and can't wait to be my patient one day. I hope that doesn't happen! Not because I don't like them, but I don't want to see them hurt! Yes, I'm not in-class learning and having fun with my classmates who I consider family now but at least I get to see them through Zoom and know this will all be over in time.
– Physical Therapy Student
Featured Response
Caitlin Tyrell ’21, a student in Jefferson’s nurse anesthesia DNP program, on volunteering in an ICU in New York
I’m currently enrolled in Jefferson’s nurse anesthesia DNP pogram,, and my sister, Alison, works at a major New York City medical center as an RN in the cardiothoracic ICU. She has been strong and brave throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’ve always shared a close bond. Alison inspired me to use my skills and background and head to New York to help. Her hospital accepted me into a six-week travel nursing assignment for an ICU position.
My first week on the job was the most intense in terms of patient-to-nurse ratio and acuity of these patients. They assigned me to the “OR ICU,” a new ICU created exclusively for COVID-19 patients since all the traditional ICUs had soared to 200 percent capacity. I had three patients to myself in one OR suite, each person had an anesthesia machine as their ventilator. Fortunately, I’m familiar with this equipment from Jefferson’s program and clinical practice. I had over 30 drips to manage, and each patient was on CRRT, which is continuous dialysis.
I’m proud of myself and know that I will look back at this time and say I did what I could when I could.
It was unlike any nursing work I’ve ever done, but this humbling, yet rewarding, experience has made me a better provider. I took care of some of the sickest COVID patients, all while keeping their families updated on their status through FaceTime.
During this pandemic, I overcame my fears and anxieties about working in another city with unfamiliar people. I’m proud of myself and know that I will look back at this time and say I did what I could when I could. I believe I made a difference.
Featured Response
Third year medical student on making work meaningful
When I was feeling distracted during the first week of the stay-at-home period, I was reminded of an essay by C.S. Lewis called "Learning in War-Time." Written during World War II to his students at Oxford University, Lewis reflects on the importance of students continuing to pursue their studies, even when the world asks, "How can you be so frivolous and selfish as to think of anything but the war?" I was amazed who well this 80-year-old essay captured my own thoughts; each time I sat down to review family medicine guidelines for diabetes and hypertension, I found myself wondering, "How can you be so frivolous and selfish as to think of anything but the coronavirus?"
Lewis points out to his students, "The war creates no absolutely new situation: it simply aggravates the permanent human situation so that we can no longer ignore it...If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure the search would never have begun." In a few short years I will be a physician, and I might someday be called to serve on the front lines in the setting of a global crisis. But, at this moment, I am called to the vocation of medical student. So, I will do my part by practicing social distancing. But, at the same time, armed with Lewis's defenses against the three enemies of the scholar-- excitement, frustration, and fear-- I am poised to reengage wholeheartedly with with diabetes treatment guidelines, for the betterment of my future patients' health and the glory of God.
– Abby, MS3
I have found that a strong and healthy perspective is important. Focusing on making things better and happier for those around me is also important. We should all take this time to channel our energy outward and do whatever we can to make the days and lives of others better, no matter how big or small the gesture. Share your knowledge, your skills, and your talents with the world. We all have something special to offer and we must take advantage of this time to share our wealth of knowledge with each other and benefit from the opportunities we are given to learn and grow. Do something meaningful and empowering, be great at something. You never know how far your influence will reach or the impact you can make in someone's life today just by sharing yourself with the world.
– Instructor, Fashion Design Program
I always feel blessed to be in the presence of inspiring people who embody the hope I have for this community and for this world. My housemates, one of whom is a fellow Jeff medical student, one of whom is a education justice community organizer, and one of whom is a Penn public health Masters student, are abundances of that kind of inspiring energy in my life. Ever feel free to self express, comfortable to be quirky, constantly uplifted to better yourself? That's what home is like with the folks I live with. Simply marveling in life, co-constructing shared ideas of social solidarity, and sharing laughs with them is a state of feeling human that grounds the importance of the work that I'm preparing to do in the future. We know from the current crisis that healthcare heroes save lives from tragic disease or death. Good folks around have taught me that learning to care for healthier bodies and more hopeful minds empowers people to flourish as themselves, in uniquely gorgeous ways. Studying ways to make recommendations to patients living with chronic kidney disease starts to make sense in a bigger picture.
– First year medical student
My coworkers are the most amazing people in the entire hospital. There are no words to help you understand the camaraderie. One look at a coworker through the hood of a PAPR, through an isolation door, and they understand your worries about your patient, and exactly what you need to help keep them alive. My coworkers are the people who mean the most to me right now.
– Nurse, Medical Intensive Care Unit
The bravery and resilience of my residents.
– Director, Internal Medicine Program
Patients have been amazingly thankful for the work that we are doing. The years of sacrifice and hard work are all worth it when you can help individuals in this incredibly challenging time.
– Physician, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Being able to relate to people on a “cellular” level.... economics, race, sexual orientation, no longer comes into play. We all seem to love each other as we are .... purely and simply human
– Administrator, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Professors treating us with grace as my concentration has shifted away from studies to learning a new job, longer hours in the ED, and commuting to other networks of care through Children's.
– Advanced Certificate student, College of Rehabilitation Sciences
Daily getting to see how important public health is on an international scale has been amazing (not to ignore the gravity of this pandemic). I recently took a Health Communications course and an Infectious Disease Epidemiology course, so everything is really coming together, especially because I get to implement some of the knowledge I acquired through these classes and more in real-time. Also remembering that public health is in everything (mental, spiritual, physical health) is also becoming more evident.
– Student, College of Population Health
I think the communication from e-mails, Zoom meetings, and being around coworkers have been really meaningful. Knowing first hand knowledge lessens the unknowns and lets you made better decisions.
– Community Health Worker
I feel fortunate to HAVE a meaningful job. My favorite part has been connecting with students - hearing their voices - seeing their faces.
– Administrator, College of Pharmacy
Being creative and seeing my friends be creative. Putting our education to use in unconventional ways.
– Architecture student
Knowing that all of my classmates are in the same situation as me and dealing with the same uncertainty.
– Student, College of Population Health
The thought that once I’m done, I could be doing more to help. Working in the ER is very fulfilling, albeit scary, but if I was done my NP program, I could be helping as a provider.
– Nursing student
I know my teachers are supportive and doing everything they can to provide us with the resources we need to succeed
– Perfusion student
Closer to the community - more people being creative with being quarantined. Children leaving chalk messages on each others driveways. Less cell phones and more family time.
– Nurse Practitioner, Surgical Oncology
Making an extra bit of effort to check in with my colleagues has made my work more enjoyable and nourishing. In other words, I feel more connected with the people I work with.
– Behavior Health Consultant, Family Medicine
The countless efforts of my coworkers who have been supportive and working endlessly to collaborate to manage our patients health needs and concerns
– Nurse
Remembering who we are doing this for. Seeing that our efforts really do make a difference. Using the extra space and quiet in our lives to reconnect to why we do all of this in the first place. Seeing kids drawing sidewalk art & sweet messages to cheer up passerby is amazing. In the lack of normal forms of connection, we are all reminded how important human connection is in the first place. We do this for each other.
– Nursing student
At work, it's the camaraderie. I certainly empathize with the fears our patients are facing and I, like all my coworkers, do my best to deescalate their anxiety. But it's the deepened sense of togetherness between the staff--all the staff, not just clinicians--that has been the most meaningful. This is a peculiar moment to work in an emergency department, and I'm grateful to work with such an exemplary, courageous, united group of people.
– Nurse, Emergency Department
My co-workers bring positive attitudes each and every day. There is an out-pouring of community support from restaurants donating food to personalized letters and cards thanking us for the work that we do. It means a lot to have people's support, and I'm proud to be working with ED team.
– Technician, Emergency Department
Lately, I’ve been in the ED and thinking about this quote. It is a Maya Angelou quote that says “I’ve learned that whenever I decide with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.“…COVID will be gone one day, but many of your patients will still be there and I want to always be there for them with an open heart ready to listen.
– Resident, Department of Family Medicine
My studies have become more meaningful because although I am not on the front lines yet, this is the future I choose. It is frustrating not being able to complete clinical rotations, but I am grateful for the opportunity to recharge, reflect, and continue to increase my knowledge. Seeing healthcare heroes undergoing sacrifices and being stretched to their limits just cements my decision to continue on this path and make a difference in the world as a practicing PA.
– Physician Assistant student
COVID-19 has really messed a lot of things up, however I think what we have to look forward too is going to be rewarding of itself. New and closer relationships are being formed, changes in how we treat essential workers will form, and how the scientific community will be considered more vital to our country. Although right now I am stressed and worried just like the rest of the world I will not belittle my own feelings, I let them happen, and at the end of the day I remind myself that I am thankful for family, friends, and colleagues. We are all in this together.
– PhD Student
I have found meaning in what has always provided meaning for me in medicine - patient, families and my colleagues. I think a lot of medicine is broken. Too much administrative control and trappings. And I get caught up in that aspect of my job, doing more and more non patient work. But immediately during this time, that felt so unimportant and when I get to see or talk with a patient and try to reassure them or simply help them feel better, that has been the bright light during a very dark time medically.
– Palliative Care Physician
I would definitely say the teamwork and feeling of everyone looking out for one another. I think this pandemic has certainly made us all come to terms with how fleeting things can be. Throughout the past few weeks, I have noticed everyone taking the time to truly connect with each other in the Jefferson community. I am constantly hearing people telling each other to "be safe" and that we "are all in this together". It makes you truly appreciate just not your everyday team, but the Jefferson team as a whole. The unified purpose we all share in overcoming this pandemic has been truly exceptional.
– Clinical Nurse Specialist