Thank You to Our Heroes!
Francisco Diaz, RN, NP
Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital
Today we want to honor the Francisco Diaz, RN, NP, Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, New York City. Here is his story as reported by AARP
A nurse practitioner at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, New York City, Diaz has been a nurse for 19 years.
"Until the COVID-19 crisis, I was working as a nurse with diabetes’ patients. In that role, I have been quite fortunate to live a life outside my job. My brushes with diseases, in most ways, have been limited. Not now. This deadly virus affects my whole life. I am now working 12-hour shifts, and worry about bringing home the infection. I can't be oblivious to the pressure. It's getting to me.
In my new assignment, I essentially monitor patients for pneumonia, Many of them have COVID-19. I am also trained to have conversations with families. I owe it to my patients. I am one of the few Hispanics and Spanish speakers in my small department. Families need to speak with me. Because of our shared ethnicity, they trust me implicitly.
I am not afraid of the virus. I am afraid I won't be able to continue working if I contract it. I know a colleague who is sick with it. It is part of the deal. I am afraid that if I get sick, I would have to stop working. But I already assume that I carry the virus — it's easier that way. I am more circumspect because I don't want to spread it. We don't socialize as much. Once in a while, I have felt under the weather. Sometimes I sneeze. It's probably from pollen, but I think, ‘Oh, my God.’ So I check my temperature.
Hospitals are very tricky places. They are not safe. We do things that have risks involved. COVID-19 has changed our working environment. There is more pressure to take care of yourself. I am more careful now. Before we had the luxury of not wearing protective gear. We have to consider the amount we use, how long we use it. Our focus is the prevention of infection — washing your hands, keeping at a safe distance in the cafeteria, identifying symptoms. We worry if we have enough masks, enough sanitizer. I wear my hospital badge outside the hospital, just in case the police stop me on my way to and from work.
The hospital has made every effort to let us know that our work is being recognized. It has made it clear that we should not work in conditions where we are compromised. Still, the challenges are enormous. I never have seen anything like this pandemic."
Thank you to Francisco for your commitment, dedication, and compassion for your patients and communities.
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