This is a time in healthcare that most of us have never seen before. As a country, Americans are taking responsibility to help prevent the spread of COVID- 19 (commonly referred to as the coronavirus), which is particularly dangerous to our elderly and medically compromised. As a fellow healthcare professional, our call to duty has never been more important and we are so proud that our Total Med and MSSL workforce is here to make a difference in our country today. At a time when healthcare facilities around the country rely on us to help them care for these patients, you should consider yourself a true hero.

As a nurse, I have worked the floors myself and know the responsibility that is on your shoulders. It is extremely important that you protect your patients and you need to be open to screening for any risk factors you might have such as:

• • your own possible exposure to COVID-19
  • recent travel that may have been higher risk
  • any signs of illness including fever, cough or flu-like symptoms.

Your safety and well-being are also a top priority. It is our duty to help our country in crisis, but make sure that you are equipped with the proper personal protective equipment and are properly educated on the care of patients with COVID-19. Below is a link from the CDC with the most up to date guidelines on providing care to these patients:

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) or Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings.

As we enter into these unprecedented times within our healthcare community, we would also like to remind you that our responsibility to protect patient’s privacy remains the same. It is imperative that we continue to follow all HIPAA guidelines, with no exceptions. While it may be tempting to discuss a case of COVID-19 with your family, friends or co-workers, these patients have a right to privacy that we must uphold even during these challenging times.

Please know that we, as your employer, are here to support you in any way we can and answer questions as they come up. If you ever have any concerns do not hesitate to reach out to your Recruiter. Also know that we have a clinical team of nurses who can relate to your situation and provide guidance and support as well.

As agency staff, we have the skills and professionalism to help our clients during times of need – it is what we have always done and will continue to do. During this time, we are even more essential. Thank you for being there to hold up our healthcare system and continuing to serve the communities around you.

Joanie Reneer, BSN, RN
Chief Operating Officer