Many States are talking and taking steps to reopen after weeks of sheltering in place. It has been a challenge for everyone, but with the work we have all done, we have seen the curve flatten. I like you are not sure what the right thing to do is. I am worried, scared and sad for those who have died, those who have gotten the virus and for all have had felt the impact of this pandemic economically, physically and mentally. Unfortunately there continues to be mixed messages and confusion on all fronts which makes making decisions difficult.
In this week’s Nurses Advocate post, I want to share some tips and resources that might help you as you make decisions as to what you will do as we as a country look to re-open our country. Each of us need to take into consideration what is right for ourselves, our families and our friends. Don’t feel pressured to do things you do not feel ready for. Take your time and make decisions that are in your best interest.
- If you are at risk, over 65, have a chronic disease or have family members or friends who are at risk. Consider following physical distancing recommendations. Continue to wear a mask when you are in public and keep up with good hand washing.
- If you do go out, try to go to places that are not crowded.
- If you go to a hair dresser, a barber, a nail salon or any other business that provides a service that causes you to be in close contact with another person, make sure you both wear masks. If only one person has a mask on it defeats the purpose.
- Stay up to date on what is happening in your state.
- Try to be patient and do not engage in violence. We are all at our wits end, but violence is not the answer.
- Try to stay calm and if you need assistance reach out for help. I listed some resources that you might want to check out.
- When widespread testing becomes available, make sure you get tested. It is important that we know who is positive, who is negative and who has antibodies to the virus.
- Try to remain vigilant. I know it is hard, but all of our efforts are working.
- Stay in touch with your family and friends. Use Zoom or other tools that bring us together.
- Be safe.
Resources that I like to use to keep up to date
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.coronavirus.gov
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus: https://www.coronavirus.gov
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int
National Alliance on Mental Health https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/COVID-19-Information-and-Resources
If you have a comment or a question, please feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you. Thank you for reading Nurse Advocate. Stay safe!
Thank you Anne!
It is truly a shame that #5 is even there! 🙁
And that folks have been misled that the virus “goes away”…..hmmm, I wonder who started that rumor?
Thanks Jody, yes, that is truly a sad thing that we even have to mention. Not sure what our new normal will look like, but we all need to think about it….as what we are doing today cannot continue. Stay safe
Anne,
As always, you provide excellent information, even if it is reinforcement for many of us who have been RNs for 45 years.
May you enjoy Good Health and Happy Nurses’ appreciation time, for you know what it is like from an advocate and a patient!
Best regards, and keep your information coming. I have a feeling there will be much more new information as the medical community learns more about Covid-19.
Barbara
Anne,
This is sage advice for all. I cant emphasize enough the power of calling friends and family on a regular basis. Also the staff was instructed to stop watching the news as it serves to ratchet up the anxiety you are trying to manage.
We called our high risk patients to educate them on how to access the system since we set up tents, etc. The only benefit is the forced maturity of tele-medicine and tele-health which many have had a difficulty in standing up.