Jennifer "Hope From the Front Line"
Having worked as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department for 22 years now, I have certainly seen my share of extraordinary circumstances. I can readily recall the faces and stories of many of my patients over the years. Some of my memories are lovely; miracles, some of them. Others are heartbreaking—images, sounds, and personal devastation which shall remain etched in my mind forever. The circumstances we find ourselves in now are altogether new, even for this seasoned nurse.
The “front line” is where our team resides—day after day, year after year. We are nimble—every bit as able to thrive and move in our often chaotic environment as we are to re-energize and rest there. Our energy and ability to persevere is born largely from our relationships with one another. When we’re on our game as a team, our patients draw the dividends from that cohesion.
Therefore, when we’re talking hope from the front line amid a global pandemic, I can assure you of this: we have never been more ready to take care of you than we are right now.
Those of us in the healthcare realm are not immune to fear and anxiety. We feel it just like you do. However, if we are to carry out our mission, we cannot allow ourselves to reside there. As painful as it is to watch—we see Italy, we see New York. Our hearts ache for them, and it causes us to take pause. We wonder what COVID-19 will look like when it reaches our region. What’s the worst-case scenario? Trained to think in terms of emergent differential diagnosis, that’s where our heads always go—straight to the worst-case. Here is where we have a choice to make—and the clear choice is hope. While we empathize on one hand, the inherent nature of the front line worker moves to the forefront almost simultaneously as we realize—for as many unanswered questions as there are surrounding this virus, we know what we must do. It’s time to go to work.
Astute leaders acknowledge the invaluable perspective gleaned from the front line. They aim to meet the team where they are—channeling nervous energy into decisive action. They lead from a place of empathy, recognizing the teams’ limitations and sensitivities, then show willingness to stand in the gap; to lead from the front. When the ‘enemy’ is COVID-19, where the questions are many, they seek and reside in the truth, insisting the team commit to the same.
Truth comes first, for we cannot build on a shaky foundation. Next comes preparation. We recall the stories, cautions, and best practices from our colleagues around the world and compare them to what we know to be true of our own strengths and limitations. We identify the gaps, reconvene, and fill them. That worst-case scenario? We make a plan to meet it head-on, no excuses. Finally, solidarity—this is that nimble team. COVID-19 may bring nuances we have yet to encounter, but I know our team. We are at our best when life brings its worst.
As my husband and I were listening to church online a couple of weeks ago, our pastor spoke of the Greek word for worry, mirimnao, which is derived from two other Greek words, mirizo (divided) and nous (mind). Essentially, he suggested, allowing ourselves to be overcome with worry means on the one hand, we trust in the Lord to provide for us; but on the other hand, we fear for our well-being, our children, everything—a divided mind. Therefore, worry is the opposite of faith. This realization brought instant peace to our hearts. This virus—though formidable—is not visible to the naked eye. Though as scripture reminds us, the same can be said of our mighty faith—for it is the confidence in what we hope for, the assurance of what we cannot see.
My husband and I have worked side by side in the ER for several years. He’s no stranger to the extraordinary, either. Our time on the front line has granted us equal parts challenges and blessings time and again. Our faith has grown exponentially as a result of what we’ve encountered there. This season is no different. In the face of COVID-19, our team hopes. In the face of COVID-19, our team thrives. In the face of COVID-19, our team believes. We are committed to do our very best for those who need us, and that is what we will do.
Share your story of hope with the world. We are holding an open call for candid stories about everyday heroes during this time of uncertainty.
We want to hear about the neighbor delivering food, the nurse or doctor on the front lines, the grocery store employee working tirelessly to keep shelves stocked, the mother or father finding creative ways to entertain kids at home. We want to hear about acts of love and selflessness during this time of crisis. While we might be physically separated, we challenge you to become more connected than ever through the power of story.