This week’s blog post was going to be on a completely different topic, but all that has been on my mind, and I’m, sure yours too, is the Corona Virus. Working in the Health Care Industry I have seen, heard and been apart of some things that are worth sharing, or at least remembering years from now. I also want to share what I think is best to do in this time of anxiety, at least what is helping me.
I work in a Skilled Nursing Facility. If you don’t remember my big career change than please go back and read all about it here. It has been 9 month now and boy, have I learned A LOT! This week, though, was was roller coaster. Monday we began asking internally about testing new admissions into the facility. Tuesday I began asking local hospitals if they are testing. Wednesday I received backlash from the hospitals for “Questioning their protocol.” Thursday we implemented: No Out Side Visitors in our facility as well as the hospitals began sharing they are “screening” patients referred to facilities. Friday we are receiving documents sharing the “screening.” Even if it is just my husband that believes it, I like to think I sparked something to #MIH!
I didn’t believe the grocery store hype until I saw it for myself. I am not an expert on toilet paper or why hand soap vs bar soap, but my anxiety did hit seeing the cleared out shelves. Virus or not it is always important to keep staples in your pantry and cases of water and toiletries. But what are we doing to take extra precautions?
Washing hands 1000 times per day creating friction and carrying 60% or more alcohol hand sanitizer. While I wash my hands I like to also “wash off” the day, the moment, the situation, and feel all the negativity running down the drain- try it!
Disinfect surfaces including remotes, light switches, steering wheels with 10% bleach and 90% water solutions. Soil the surface and let it dry for 10 minutes before touching. I learned this from the Director of Housekeeping at our facility.
Bump elbows instead of shaking hands.
But what about local businesses? At Finding Arizona Podcast we are having internal discussions about keeping to our recording schedules and providing great content to our listeners, but how else can we support?
Support local: shop online or buy gift card. Gift cards are perfect because the business gets the money now and you get to use the service later.
Engage online while you’re there anyway. Working from home now? Scrolling though social more? Share more, comment more, post more. Be you and let other’s know that we have each other’s back.
Supporting health care workers at our local level as well. They are working overtime to care for other’s loved ones while their loved ones are not in school or not at work. Whatever this looks like for you- buying their coffee, child care, groceries, or just saying “Thank you.”
Last but NOT least, with all the information out there make sure you are going to CDC.gov to get your real facts. I have no doubt we will overcome this together, but while were here lets separate fact from fiction, emotions from reality and take care of our mental health just as much as the physical one. Be safe out there.
XoXo
Britt.
