What comes to your mind when you think of the word superhero? Is it a caped vigilante or an image of someone you love? The pandemic has put a lot of words into debate. Essential vs. non-essential, “necessities” when grocery shopping for copious amounts of toilet paper; the true definition of 6 feet. Yet, I think we can all agree that the one title we are happy to put aside our differences for is “healthcare hero.” While a mysterious pandemic rages against every country and rightfully throws the entire population into chaos, the true heroes emerge.
Instead of bullet wounds, they have scarred faces from tightly positioned masks and raw skin from constantly washed hands. Strained eyes from being on red alert for 14 hour shift days. Their arms that ache from moving from one coding patient to the next. Being able to say we’re bored at home is a privilege. This is considering the sacrifices these workers are making day in and day out! And while their positions are already stressful enough, I can only imagine how much additional pressure they are being put through. I wanted to use this post to highlight a few selfless women (nominated by my followers) in the healthcare field and what they’re going through right now.
Working with the elderly population right now is “challenging.” Daily temperature checks are necessary to even enter her office! “The extra measures are put in place to help keep the most vulnerable safe. But it’s difficult to watch the residents sit alone in their rooms versus their typical socializing. Especially when that’s so important for their health, too.” Thanks to their vigilance and teamwork, they’ve been able to keep all of their residents negative!
Nominated by her best friend, Adwoa is a nurse that goes above and beyond standard patient care. And while home visits are more likely to put her own health at risk, they’re a necessity for outpatient care and assisting underserved communities. “This nursing field has truly challenged me in ways I’ve never been challenged before. I’ve been pushed in ways that are currently shaping my growth. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in this field and especially during this pandemic. However, to daily see how the care I provided positively affects my patients inspires me to keep pushing.”
As an empath, the gravity of the situation isn’t lost on Melissa. “While I won’t say I’ve seen it all, I have seen quite a bit. I’ve seen death, I’ve seen miracles, I’ve been kicked, I’ve been cussed at, I’ve been hugged, I’ve been prayed for. I’ve done and seen a lot, but for me, nursing is more than just a job or a title. It is my passion and a calling. And in all honesty, I don’t think you could do it otherwise.” She notes at times that she feels helpless. But is proud that her role as a healthcare professional in North Carolina can provide physical help in addition to encouragement.
If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know exactly how I feel about the state of healthcare in this country. With all of its complexities and red tape, it’s one of the reasons I was afraid to initially share my diagnosis. My sister is also a physician in Georgia and currently seeing patients with the Coronavirus every single day. Yet, their local officials just opened their state for others to be put in harm’s way. Other officials like Senator Tillis and the Trump administration’s slow response to the pandemic could cost many more. I always wish I could do more, but I’m happy to partner with groups like Piedmont Rising to spark the conversations for change (learn more here).
The dedicated hour of applause, staying home, and flashing a few signs is nice. But I hope that months from now when this is all over, we’re able to remember what these heroes. Remember them truly and advocate for protections so they’re always valued. So whether you’re a nurse, doctor, therapist, medical assistant, pharmacist, or any of the many other roles fighting for our health- Thank you for keeping us safe.
Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
You Might Also Like… 20 Black Influencers to Follow in 2020 and 5 Lessons I Learned from My Big Sister- Even When I Didn’t Want To
