Well here in southern Ontario, all of Canada, USA, UK, majority of Europe and extending to Africa, South America and beyond the Covid-19 virus has impacted millions of citizens, financial losses are mounting up, and uncertainty is the new normal about the coming weeks etc.

Why so bleak? Well this is becoming a test for our generation; shout out to all the members of the health care team whether clinical or non-clinical, across sectors and the public health units from coast to coast. Thank you and simply thank goodness you keep reporting to work.

Those who enter hospitals, clinics, and long term care to steal personal protection equipment, thereby placing our health care teams at increased risk….you are lower than low to place our colleagues at risk and the public if sub-optimal infection prevention and control occurs. Buy your own; do not take what is not yours. Our colleagues have many stressors; caring for patients who likely fit the Covid-19 diagnosis, the fear of causing their loved ones increased worries, and pain of seeing the unseeable to nurse the vulnerable and frail elderly who are at high risk for increased morbidity and death.

There is a lot of uncertainty in our lives right now but our admiration for the staff who are working in direct care and first responders is certain. We need to be grateful that our utilities are on, mail arrives, supplies are shipped, and all levels of government, media, and public health are communicating regularly, sometimes scary facts, but their intentions to save lives is a lofty goal. Also what is the toilet paper fixation all about?

Conspiracy theories abound and one needs to be cautious about the source of “facts” as anyone can post on the internet, social media, and as we know fake news can slip through. As a nurse and one that posts to social media I use a Warren Buffet approach, I have to be confident of the facts, or opinion expressed, to fact check an item before posting, and challenge acquaintances and friends if an item seems fake.

Warren Buffet approach I heard in an interview when he was asked how he selected stocks. He recounted he invested in what he knew personally, for instance the cereal he had at breakfast, the cola he drank for a snack, the car he drove etc. Confidence through personal experience and that makes truth a very personal matter.

The curve we hope to flatten to optimize health resources as the rate of cases increases and many of us are investing in stay at home time; specifically provide the time needed to preserve critical care services for those in need. Today is St. Patrick’s Day let’s unite and be Irish for a day and be connected every day by our humanity. Be guided by the values of our health care teams many include the terms excellence, courage, caring, compassion, etc. Noble words in challenging times. Namaste

An Old Irish Blessing

May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Categories: Uncategorized

Paula M

Registered Nurse Storyteller, Healer, Scribe, Transformational Leader