Jefferson COVID Stories
How has this pandemic changed you?
Featured Response
Emergency Department Nurse on Facing the Moment
I find it so crazy how people thank me for my service. I feel that I have trained and prepared my entire nursing career for this moment. I'm honored that I can be on the frontline fighting this pandemic. I see in my patients’ eyes how scared and alone they feel not having their love ones by their side. I feel privileged that I can be there for them during this very vulnerable time holding their hand and talking to them while they are taking their last breaths.
– Kimberly Brody-Muckenfuss, RN, Emergency Department
Definitely. I'm grateful to have a job where I can help save lives, but also, that has a a new meaning now doesn't it? Sometimes saving lives now, means to allow those who are suffering die with peace and dignity.
– RN, Emergency Department
Featured Response
Family Medicine Physician on Remembering What’s Important
The Fairmount Park (Wakefield) across the street from my childhood home is where I first learned to appreciate the beauty of flowers and of relationships.
We still get together a few times a year—once in person and virtually for the rest. City kids….what a “Motley” crew. These boys taught me how to work hard and how to play fair. Our parents clearly had a primary role, but it was by playing together in this park that we practiced “being there” for each other, appreciating each other’s skills, motivating each other, and holding ourselves accountable to the collective—all with plenty of laughs.
I’ve (once again) come to realize what little control we have over our destinies. I developed a deeper appreciation for my faith in a loving God who gives us the strength to endure and fills us with the love we need to sacrifice for each other. I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the more fundamental things in my life: health, family, the opportunity to give and to receive. I’m more grateful for my blessings—and more determined to show my gratitude to God and to others. The rest is just “stuff.” I realize that I need a good “pruning” from time to time to help me realize what’s important.
– Robert Motley, Physician, Department of Family and Community Medicine and Vice Chair Community Medicine Director, Physician Shortage Area Program
This pandemic has changed me in many ways but it has shown me the importance of working as a team and stepping up during a healthcare crisis.
– RN
I have a much greater appreciation for nature, blooming trees, sunshine, singing birds, quiet and, probably most of all, human connection.
– Co-Director, JCIPE
This pandemic has changed me to realize to live love and laugh with our family members and friends. To shake off the small stuff and just live life. No time for hatred.
– Housekeeper, Environmental Services
Life is short and precious. It is important to love the people around you with passion and appreciate what we have.
– RN, Gastroenterology
It has made me more aware and grateful for life and appreciating every day as a gift from God.
– Physician, Emergency Department
For the better! So far, at least - fingers crossed I continue to stay healthy.
– Employee, DICE Group
Changed my outlook on looking at everything. Things can change in a minute and you have no control.
– Medical Assistant, Family Medicine
It makes my heart open up much more.
– CNA
It has changed me from believing this type of thing only happens in third-world countries. This can happen anywhere. It changed the safety net I previously felt in our country. On the positive side the overabundance of support the community, first responders and friends/family have shown is surreal.
Teachers reaching out to parents that are essential personnel to make sure they are okay, strangers thanking us when we see them outside the hospital, stores opening for healthcare workers earlier, the signs posted, the food sent, the donated supplies, and our enterprise updating us as employees several times a day.
Being supported by our leadership has been uplifting. The check-ins from our CMO, CNO, CAO, Nursing Director and all of the physicians have been so appreciated. They have all been present, visible, available and supportive to our employees and myself. We are a team. One amazing team!
– Nurse Manager, ICU
For the better, I have found peace in my life while working remote for the first time. I am taking better care of myself physically and emotionally. Instead of getting up at 4:10am every morning, now I can rise at 6:00. Instead of arriving home at 5:40 pm, now I arrive 3:45 pm. Not having to drive to and from the Norristown train station every day, has allowed me more precious family time. I sleep better and I am even studying for another certificate. Having been employed at Jefferson for 45 years, I have witnessed strength, love, caring and sometimes pain in my Jefferson family.
– Senior Radiology Coder
For me personally, I think it's become easier to focus on the things that matter and make a difference towards supporting staff. I am more comfortable understanding how people feel in the moment and taking pause and hanging out in that space before moving forward with work. I've also learned patience. I thought this thing would be over in a few months and things would go back to normal, but I understand that 'normal' is still different and if it means lives saved, it's completely worth the change.
– Administrator, Jefferson Hospital
I've grown a lot closer to my family.
– Administrator, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
This experience has opened my eyes to how strong I really am! I have tolerated more stress, change and uncertainty than ever before and still feeling great!
– Behavioral Health Consultant, Geriatrics and Women’s Primary Care
The damage isn’t over yet, but I think we have gotten better at talking about our feelings. Communication is more important now than ever before. We are all in this together, and the struggle and uncertainty unite us.
– Architecture student
I've reached out to a lot of people who I have fallen out of contact with to check on them. In some ways it has revived friendships, and in other cases it has deepened the bond.
– Critical Care Technician, Medical Oncology
It has made me cautious about hand hygiene, no longer going through the motions. I am more depressed about the future and what changes my children will have to endure to meet “the new normal.” That said, I see how employers like Jefferson are not invisible buildings...they are humans like me. As such, Jefferson has changed with the new normal by offering professional coping skills, classes, health zooms, etc. Jefferson is evolving right along with me and my family.
-RN, Maternity, Washington Township
As a student, since the time I started college to now medical school, I have been away from home more than not. When I'm not at school, the most I see my parents, brother, and family is a couple weeks at a time during longer breaks and occasionally some weekends. One blessing that has come out of this challenging time is the time I am spending with my family. I have been sheltering in place in my family's home, and I so grateful for this unexpected opportunity to be able to say good night and good morning in person to my loved ones, instead of over text. I feel emotionally nourished in a way I haven't felt in a long time. I hope this marks the start of a life after COVID in which I am closer to my family, emotionally if not always physically.
– Medical student