I am a Nurse, Frontliner for Covid-19, and a Stress Management Coach.
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?
Thinking that I must have been exposed to Covid as a frontliner, living in a plastic world, surrounded by Hepa filters, wipes and PAPR masks. The amount of time needed to prepare yourself for possible exposure to this deadly virus is remarkable. Feeling like I must have some herd immunity at some point. Tested myself for immunity in August. To my surprise, I had no immunity! Being exposed was a reality to me. Acknowledging that whatever process I had been using to protect myself, was working!
The conversations about should you or shouldn’t you vaccinate is a personal decision. What concerns you about the vaccine? What do you know about the Covid virus? Why is it important to you?
My concerns were for myself and exposing my family. Initially, feeling that the vaccine solution was created too rapidly to be effective. What if it does not work? Introducing mRNA to my body, a different concept. Resolved that it was not a live virus. The amount of people that I have witnessed struggling or dying from this virus is forever engrained. Researching and listening to experts, allowed mr to become comfortable with receiving the vaccine.
A physician said to me, “The vaccine is better than the virus.” Having to think about his words. Looking around my work environment. It feels like just a matter of time that I would be exposed. Eventually, I accepted the reality of this pandemic. My family found relief in my decision.
If you haven’t made a decision to vaccinate against COVID-19, and need to share your feelings with someone.
I am here for you.
Kathy Parlevliet, the RNcoach.com
Let’s talk soon.
© 2024 The Nurse Who Knows
