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NOTE: The following information was published March 26, 2020. For current COVID-19 information, visit LVHN.org/COVID-19
Learning to Navigate a New Normal
Tammy Checo is online by 7:30 a.m. each morning and is interacting with patients by 8 a.m.
Sitting tight, waiting to receive a video call, her days look much different now that she performs her medical interpreting duties from home during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Usually, we’re constantly back and forth serving patients,” says Checo. “One minute we’re on Labor and Delivery watching a new life enter this world and the next we’re sitting with a family helping to navigate end of life care,” she says.
Now, Checo and her colleagues stay connected virtually and receive video calls from all LVHN locations.
“What I miss most is the patient contact. We are here for them. We are their connection to the health care system and we help them communicate during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” she says. “Healing, comforting and caring is not only our mission but our privilege.”
To serve and interpret
Checo’s personal motto is, “to serve and interpret,” something that she does each time she partners with patients and families during an interpreting session.
At LVHN, language support services are available to all patients and families who prefer to discuss health care in a language other than English.
“It’s hard not be with our patients and colleagues in person during these high-stress times,” she says, “But to see the smiles on faces, even on video, is priceless.”
Staying home and staying strong
Thanks to technology, Checo and her colleagues are now providing video interpretive services while they stay home and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“Now more than ever, technology is bringing us together – building bridges so that we can continue to serve our community and each other as best we can,” she says.
Checo inspires us to remain positive and find the opportunity in every difficult situation. While many of our daily routines have been upended by this new reality, Checo challenges her followers on Instagram to look at the bright side.