As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we were very fortunate to be able to interview one of our very own, Mrs. Gina Brooke, a Corpus Christi 8th grade parent. She generously shared her time and thoughts with us, as we continue to go through unprecedented times together. We cannot even imagine the pressure on our healthcare workers around the world… Mrs. Brooke has been a local ER nurse at Kaiser for over four years where she has come across from basic illnesses to all the way through a possible COVID patient. Our interview below gives us a glimpse of what it is like, today, working in a busy hospital.
Brooke: How has stress affected your emotions?
Mrs. Brooke: Compartmentalizing is important, especially in the medical field. For me, at the moment, it is easier than I thought. There have been a few times where I have felt the sadness but most for the most part, I focus on my current tasks and making an impact with the patient’s experience. You have to be strong. I am happy that I am doing good with my emotions. You have to be strong to take care of the weak. When little kids come in, cardiac or oncology issues are difficult because I am a mom. But I have gained strength the last few years. So many people have said what a difference a nurse makes. Nurses are the arms and voices of patients. You are that person for the person; it is a gift to get to do that. To make people feel comforted and loved. I am grateful my job offers that.
Anna: What are your thoughts and opinions about the vaccine?
Mrs. Brooke: We don’t have a choice which vaccine we get - Moderna/Pfizer. Even with the vaccine, we need to continue to wear masks, as we can still pass on Covid. The vaccine gives me a sense of hope but even some medical workers are nervous to get it… I have received my full dose vaccine. I didn’t have too much side effects; mild symptoms - fatigue that a nap cured, I took Tylenol for a bad headache. The hope is for many to have some sort of herd immunity.
Brooke: How do you protect yourself and your family from getting the virus?
Mrs. Brooke: We have a separate covid ward, patients are sent there until they are tested. We all wear N95 face masks and when we come home, everything is off. We take a shower right away… As a family, we are pretty careful. I am at times, more nervous about getting it from my teenage daughters. At the dining table, we make sure to sit apart. My husband is more at risk; we were more worried in the beginning but feel a little more comfortable today. And in bed, we have lots of pillows in between us.
Brooke: How many patients do you treat on a normal day?
Mrs. Brooke: We have been packed lately, ever since the ‘stay at home’ orders were in place. Kaiser no longer has outside tents anymore. Usually, the ER has 1 ‘code’ every few hours vs now, 3-4 codes at a time, which makes it hectic (a bunch of healthcare workers in a room at once). It could’ve gotten worse if we didn’t do the stay at home orders.
Anna: What does the hospital you work at do for more space/patients?
Mrs. Brooke: At the beginning, we added tents outsides for narrowing down COVID vs non-COVID symptoms. We now have 4 sections in our ER. A pod for potential covid patients, with negative pressure to protect the rest of the hospital. Another pod is used for urgent care only but is also an option for extra hospital rooms. I am more worried about not having enough nurses for patients in need. I get calls daily to come in for extra hours, extra days to come in.
Brooke: What is better - masks with straps, reusable/washable masks, gaters, face shields, disposable ones? How about the ones with/without filters?
Mrs. Brooke: We wear N95 masks that we have to be fitted for. Before, it was only one kind, now there are 4 versions. The fitting is challenging. If you do not fit any masks, you need to wear a face shield. Triple layer masks are really good or the ones that tie behind your head.
Anna: What are your thoughts on school reopening?
Mrs. Brooke: I agree with schools reopening. Emotionally it is tough for kids, lots of side effects on the students. There is a way to protect ourselves adequately. Following guidelines, washing hands, masks, and social distancing.
Brooke: What is your opinion on COVID testing, including the rapid tests?
Mrs. Brooke: I am not familiar with percentages. Patients going into surgery get the rapid results in the hospital. If you are exposed to covid, the best time to get tested is 5-7 days after exposure.
Anna: Do you recommend traveling during a pandemic?
Mrs. Brooke: I recommend continuing to be careful, select a trusted group (social bubble); Less crowds and I still prefer being outdoors. I personally would not travel because of family and exposure but that is a personal choice.
As we move forward as a community during this pandemic, the reopening of schools and the county tier updates, we encourage you to continue to be safe, healthy, and respectful of each and everyone’s choices. There are many hardworking men and women amongst us that we are blessed to have. Let us be grateful and kind to be able to get back to some normalcy slowly but surely.