Two months into COVID-19 pandemic response mode, we asked the Urgent Care team for their view from the front line. Here’s what some of the team had to say:
Nina Lowery, Physician Assistant
What compels you to be on the COVID front line?
At first, I was hesitant to take part in COVID-19 testing. I was afraid of exposing myself and of infecting my loved ones. I found that my drive to serve our patients and my community was greater than these fears.
How would you describe your experience so far?
With the support of family, friends, and coworkers I was able to get through the first few weeks, which were especially challenging. Now, I find that the experience is mostly rewarding, despite the challenges.
What have you found most rewarding or what have you learned?
The most rewarding part of being on the Manet COVID front line has been following up with patients after being seen at our urgent care center. I enjoy making sure they’re safe, answering questions and addressing concerns they have during this stressful and uncertain time.
With the quickly changing COVID-19 pandemic, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team led by specialists in Infectious Disease and Occupational Health that I’ve been able to learn so much from. This is helping me with counseling and educating my patients, as well as my friends and family, on the latest guidelines and information on COVID-19.
What would you say to others considering a more frontline role?
Inevitably, there are moments when front line COVID support is challenging. Despite this, every day is fulfilling, and I know I’m making a difference in my community.
Ashley Ewing, Medical Assistant
What compels you to be on the COVID front line?
I like being on the front line because I enjoy knowing I’m making a difference. And I’m happy I get to experience this.
How would you describe your experience so far?
My experience working in the tent so far has been a life lesson for me. It has taught me a lot about life and how we all need to really take care of ourselves and our health.
What have you found most rewarding or what have you learned?
I have found most rewarding is knowing I’m out here to make sure everyone else is safe.
What would you say to others considering a more frontline role?
I would say to anyone that is considering being in frontline, it’s definitely a great experience and you learn more about yourself. I’ve learned a lot about my coworkers, too, and I love it.
Lauren DiBona, Physician Assistant
What compels you to be on the COVID front line?
I chose a career in health care to give back to those in need. During this time of uncertainty, I felt a strong desire to help by joining the Manet COVID team to be able to support our patients who are directly affected by this virus.
How would you describe your experience so far?
This experience has showed me how important it is to work as a team and to be flexible. In the urgent care clinic, it so important to work as a team along with the other providers and medical assistants, and I greatly appreciate everyone’s support. It is also important to be flexible, because as we learn more about COVID-19, our practice is always adapting.
What have you found most rewarding or what have you learned?
It has been so rewarding to be able to follow up with our patients from the urgent care setting and see them recover from COVID-19. Our daily check ins with patients allow us to see them overcome the illness. Although this time has brought a lot of uncertainty and serious illness to some, it has been very rewarding to see patients recover as well. It has also been very rewarding to hear how much our patients and the community appreciates the service we are providing.
What would you say to others considering a more frontline role?
For those who are considering a more frontline role but are hesitant, I encourage you to not be afraid and simply reach out and ask, “how I can help?” We are all in this together and there are many ways to help during this time. This is a new experience for everyone, so it is ok to be a little nervous, but I encourage you to ask questions. I am constantly asking questions when I am unsure of things.
Brian Kroener, MD
What compels you to be on the COVID front line?
Wanting to do my part as an outpatient provider, inspired by the large burdens carried by those in the first responder, emergency medicine, hospitalist, and critical care fields
How would you describe your experience so far?
Interesting, high energy, full of new questions.
What have you found most rewarding or what have you learned?
Learning from patient care about an emerging disease, getting to know patients’ personal stories of living through COVID infection.
What would you say to others considering a more frontline role?
There is something that everyone can do, though not all can do everything.
Mark Beacher, Medical Assistant/Point of Care Coordinator
What compels you to be on the Manet COVID front line?
I am driven to work the COVID front line by my need and desire to make sure my coworkers are safe and clean from contamination as well as wanting to provide the best possible care for all who need it. Given my lab skills and attention to detail, I feel as though I belong here in urgent care/COVID testing.
How would you describe your experience so far?
My experience so far has been enlightening to say the least. It is a privilege to be able to be right in the mix of it all; to watch our team perform, adapt, and overcome any obstacles or barriers that we encounter.
What have you found most rewarding or what have you learned?
The most rewarding part of all of this so far, has to be the fact that none of the UC/COVID response team has fallen ill to this virus. I hear news stories of health care workers going down and it makes me sad. I am happy to be able to help prevent the virus from infecting our team.
What would you say to others who may be considering a frontline role?
If you’re considering a role that is more front line, I would say give it some serious thought. It is definitely not for everyone. It is fast paced, chaotic, hectic, confusing, and things just do not always go as planned no matter how well we try, and we try hard. But, I LOVE IT!!!! I would not want to be anywhere else!