In a special edition Revisiting Rams, GoSuffolkRams.com caught up with a former women’s basketball student-athlete Lauren Burns ’07 who’s on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Carney Hospital in Dorchester. Here’s her story.
I have been a registered nurse for nine years, the last six of which I have spent working in the emergency department. Nursing has always been rewarding in that it offers an opportunity to have a positive impact on a patient’s life, and in an emergency department it certainly offers a unique work experience every shift. But like many on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic I now find myself facing the most challenging period of my career.
It’s hard to put into words the wave of emotions I now feel as I prepare for my next shift. Will it be an ok day? How many patients will need to be intubated? What if I am exposed and need to quarantine? Or even worse what if I unknowingly catch the virus and bring it home to my husband and two daughters? But as I begin to suit up with my protective gear those thoughts start to fade away and my focus is solely on providing the best care possible for those in need. In an emergency department providing the best possible care can only be accomplished with teamwork and I am truly blessed to be part of an amazing healthcare team. My co-workers are the reason I am able to get through each shift. During my time at Suffolk as a student-athlete Coach Leyden instilled upon us the importance of teamwork and with each shift that lesson is further emphasized.
Since this pandemic began the dedicated line used by EMS rings back to back with each call notifying of an incoming patient most of which are COVID-19 patients. Some of these patients are only experiencing minor symptoms, but others are in critical condition. Due to the contagious nature of the virus visitors and family are not allowed to see their loved ones. Those isolated from the ones that care so much for them have us on the frontline to not only give them medical care, but also offer the emotional support in this time of isolation. I will not forget these faces and voices on the other line; we are family now and I pray for the best outcome for each patient.
The love and support from the community has been amazing and is what gets us through each shift when we begin to feel exhausted by the emotional and physical toll this pandemic has taken. From supplies to food, even the smallest of gestures means the world to those working on the frontline. So, thank you!
Please, stay home if you can. Be kind to all workers on the frontline, not just those at the hospital and stay safe!
Ram Nation thanks Lauren and all those on the frontline to help keep our community safe during this challenging time. If there are former Rams who are working on the front lines like Lauren and would like to share their stories with Suffolk Athletics, please contact Sports Information Director Amy Barry at abarry7@suffolk.edu.