COVID-19 has brought many challenges on everyone around the world. It has caused people to change their ways of doing everyday things and adapting to the protocols of staying safe and healthy. Working in general has changed a lot for staying safe, but some people have faced more challenges along the way compared to others.

Healthcare workers especially have had to make new adaptations in staying safe and healthy while taking care of sick patients all over the world. It has brought many struggles, but many continue to stay positive while they have been getting used to this new lifestyle for almost a year now.

“Working in healthcare brings about many challenges such as striving to provide the best care when the resources to do so may not be available, meeting the demands of the patients while also meeting the demands of your management, and having the flexibility to deal with an ever changing environment. In order to stay positive and engaged you must remember the impact you have on the lives of your patients. The connections you make and truly providing the best care to the most vulnerable in their time of need leaves a more positive impact than any education you receive or research you find,” occupational therapist Jessica Meyer said.

“I have realized taking care of people was not only proper procedure and protocol, but also being able to balance compassion with toughness to get through barriers with patients. Some patients need gentle conversations and others require more frank discussions about very hard subjects like chemical dependency. Patients and families are counting on nurses and healthcare workers to be competent and caring. Learning about the human experience has for me but the most amazing part of my career. It is a privilege to be present for people in the best and worst times of life,” RN, BSN and certified case manager Kim Grabel said.

“We have to be willing to ask questions and collaborate with all healthcare disciplines. From doctors, pharmacists, nurses, the therapists and even the environmental services staff. It takes everyone working together,” MSN, RN, and CCM Connie Rainey said.