United on the Front Lines

“I never thought something like this would happen in my lifetime. I became a nurse for a reason, and now I fully understand my purpose. I’ve never been so proud to be a nurse.” – Kimberly Balagot, MSN, RN-BC.

“As humans, we learn to evolve and adapt to survive. We are social creatures, but we found new, safe ways to maintain social bonds. We lived through fear and uncertainty, and yet we prevailed in finding a new normal.” – Ramanasri Kudipudi, MD, board-certified in internal medicine and infectious disease and co-leader of the COVID-19 team.

“My goal has been to offer reassurance, provide patients with the nourishment they need, and try to make them smile. This experience has shown me that there’s good in everyone, and my coworkers have become like family.” – Zeanne Mills, food service worker

“I made sure that everyone felt well-trained, protected, and confident that they could do their jobs safely.” – Ana Rivera, supervisor of environmental services.

“It takes a leap of faith to put yourself in harm’s way. The leadership team was transparent about the crisis, and we delivered ongoing, consistent information to all of our teams at all levels of the organization.” – James Matera, DO, CentraState’s Chief Medical Officer and co-leader of the COVID-19 team.

We can do it! A Rosie the Riveter-inspired photo station on the second floor of the main hospital building reminded staff every day that it takes a team to get the job done. Like the symbolic Rosie of WWII, everyone worked hard to do their part.

“We all have a common goal: to help people.” – Ryann Comerford BSN, RN.

CentraState nurse Rebecca Norton, MSN, RN, CNOR, came up with the “Wall of Warriors” idea while watching two colleagues at work. Posing here is Luqille Glenn, scrub technician.

“Everyone has been eager to help face a challenge that we’ve never encountered before. The establishment of COVID-19 teams made it incredibly smooth for the emergency department staff. The ongoing interdisciplinary communication was tremendous for us as we worked swiftly and safely to triage and care for the influx of patients.” – Jeremy Dayner, MD, board-certified emergency medicine physician.

“This team really loves what they do, and this crisis has underscored that sentiment.” – John Whalen, RRT, clinical director of respiratory services.

“Everyone – nurses, physicians, technicians, respiratory therapists, food service workers, housekeepers – worked hard and stayed strong for our patients.” Nora Ruhl, RD

“My team was on the frontlines with doctors and nurses. They couldn’t function without this department. It was a team effort.” – Danielle Van Wert, director of environmental services.

During the height of the outbreak, Gary Triolo, director of food and nutrition services, held staff meetings every morning to review how many patients were in the hospital, field questions from employees and help allay their fears.

(L-R): Daniella Davis, BSN, RN-BC; Kimberly Balagot, MSN, RN-BC; Ryann Comerford, BSN, RN); Christina Ebel, BSN, RN-BC.

“I feel much closer to my co-workers now. We can get through anything.” – Sydnie Finegold, housekeeping.

“I started thinking about how to celebrate everyone who is working so hard. Not everyone is on the ‘front line,’ but so many people have stepped up to help out in so many ways.” – Rebecca Norton MSN, RN, CNOR. Posed here is Marie Ibarreta, BSN, CNOR

Laboratory clinical director Linda Pacetti and Paul Simon, DO, medical director of CentraState’s pathology department, conducted in-house testing for COVID-19.

Respiratory therapist Patricia DeTroia, RRT.