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NOTE: The following information was published May 8, 2020. For current COVID-19 information, visit LVHN.org/COVID-19
Richard Chow, DO, takes to social media to share his musings on working as a physician in the emergency room during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
During the Year of the Nurse in 2020, we honor nurses for all they do. Read Chow’s Facebook musings as he reflects on the crucial role of LVHN nurses in the fight against COVID-19.
The first line of defense
To prevent a catastrophic patient outcome, nurses are the first line of defense. Sometimes they are the only line. They are usually the first one a patient sees. They are also the last. And, in the end, at times the only one. During a patient’s darkest days, a nurse can be a guiding light. And through it all they work tirelessly. All for the simple knowledge that their efforts will not been in vain. That their efforts will bring comfort. Bring relief. Bring contentment. Even if it means sacrificing their own.
A true calling
It is during the darkest nights when nurses shine brightest. Perhaps that is why I find myself unfazed when the world is alight from an invisible terror. Because in our hour of need, in our hour of desperation, in our hour of devastation, they will rise. Rise to bear the brunt of the battle. They are the catalyst against an unseen force. They will sound the call to arms. The call to action. The call to prayer.
No burden will be too great. They will yield. But, they will not break. Much has been said of the lack of preparedness for this upcoming encounter. The lack of arms. The lack of armor. But, there are many things for which they do not lack. They do not lack heart. They do not lack spirit. They do not lack courage. They do not lack integrity. They do not lack passion.
Even absent arms and absent armor they will persevere and soldier on. Because of the cries of the collective souls of a nation in peril. Because it is their duty. Because it is their calling. Because no threat can ever pierce the shielded determination and grit of a unified voice.
For nurses
For the nurses that I work with currently. For those whom I’ve worked with. For those I have yet to work with. And for those around the world whom I will never have the privilege of working with. I leave this parting thought.
That much is said of the love between two lovers. Of that between a parent and child. Of that between friends. Or even that between an owner and their pet. But what of the love that exists between a nurse and a patient. A love that needs no declaration; for it exists in thought and action.
A love that was. A love that is. A love that will be.
A love in a time of chaos. A love in the time of corona.
For this patient. For the next. For all patients yet to come.
Thank you for all that you do.
Thank you for all that you are.
Thank you for being you.
Love is patient, love is kind.
About the Author
Richard Chow, DO, is an emergency medicine physician with Lehigh Valley Health Network. He is board certified in emergency medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine.