Covid Articles

Kathy Parlevliet, the nurse who knows. Finding the right solution for yourself regarding the vaccine.  Struggling through this pandemic since March 2020, has been a life changer.  Concerns about yourself, family, and friend’s wellbeing every day.  Asking the question, “Are you okay?”. Has different impact than a year ago. Really noticing how fragile we all are as a human race.  No one is exempt from this virus. Feeling strange about coughing or sneezing in public even with a mask in place.  Wondering if this vaccine will really work?  Or should we just wait and see what happens to others? 

Kathy Parlevliet, the nurse who knows. Dealing with moments every day that breaks apart the team goals.  With the Pandemic that has been surrounding us for almost a year, we are not surprised by our fatigue.  However, trying to maintain unity in department can be difficult.  Everyone has a different perspective of the world we live in while at work.  Being out of compliance for our workload and recognizing how much you cannot accomplish to completion is disheartening.  Some of us come with a calm heart to work, while others have anxiety.  Encouraging words sometimes is not enough.  You need help.

Kathy Parlevliet, the nurse who knows.  Finding the middles space that allows for understanding of our Morale Distress.  For me, it is a very fine line.  As a healthcare provider for many years and having a seep resolution to participate actively in patient care, this dilemma can shake you to the core.  Walking toward the front door of my job, taking a deep breath, and hoping that someone does not ide today. But the reality of that thought is a misconception, that I created to protect myself from seeing more sadness and more suffering.

I am a Nurse, Frontliner for Covid-19, and a Stress Management Coach.

Kathy Parlevliet, the nurse who knows. Recognizing the feelings that are hidden behind your mask.  Looking into our eyes can be telling a story. A pair of goggles and 2 masks, along with a shield, leads to a lot of isolation.  Becoming comfortable with all the layers is a surprise, allowing for a level of being invisible.  After months of gearing up for outside protection from Covid, the inner feeling is to survive.  It is a unforgettable challenge day to day.  It all starts with a mask.

Kathy Parlevliet, the nurse who knows. Living the life of many nurses and healthcare givers. Struggling with the day-to-day work life experience.  Being completely exhausted after over 12 hours of work each shift.  Feeling overwhelmed and tearful of our current work environment.  The Pandemic feeling of generalized fatigue from everyone. How much longer can we keep this up?

Alienation from work-related activities: Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may grow cynical about their working conditions and the people they work with. They may also emotionally distance themselves and begin to feel numb about their work.

Kathy Parlevliet, the nurse who knows. Living the life of many nurses and healthcare givers.  Trying to not feel the words that describe burnout.  Often shared through many conversations, but not directly to you. Casually mentioning the signs and symptoms of overall fatigue.  And then a feeling of dismissal that it is not appropriate to experience burnout.  Nursing and healthcare can suffer silently.

What are your feelings regarding Covid -19 now?  How can you find a way to accept anxiety as part of your recovery?  When is the time to start talking about what has happened to you?