When this pandemic hit, it was a terrifying time for health workers. The number of people infected with this virus is growing exponentially. There are still many things that we don’t know about COVID-19, including how to treat it and prevent more cases from happening. But what we do know is that healthcare workers are at great risk of contracting COVID-19 by coming into contact with contaminated patients or equipment. This blog post will give you ten ways to support your local healthcare workforce during this terrible situation.
1. Give Nurses a Social-media Shoutout
Social media has played an essential role in the fight against COVID-19. Some police officers and healthcare workers have used social media to locate undiscovered COVID-19 cases trying to hide their families or law enforcement. Likewise, many people looking for information about their loved ones have gone on Twitter to get it. If you want to support your local nurses, be sure to thank them for their hard work and dedication on social media. Share patient success stories, too- they deserve the recognition.
2. Donate Blood
Nurses are among the many who have suffered adverse effects after being in contact with COVID-19 infected patients. During this pandemic, blood donations have become increasingly important. The Red Cross has stated that they need blood donors to help nurses and other healthcare workers replenish their supplies. As a volunteer or prepper, donating blood will aid you in case of an emergency. Please keep the Red Cross’ donation guidelines in mind when thinking about donating, especially if you are a prepper- they don’t want to take your gear.
3. Help Nurse Parents with Childcare
Nurse parents have a challenging time during this pandemic. Their responsibilities as a parent and people who work in the front lines of COVID-19 are often at odds with each other. You can help them by babysitting their children so they can go to work without worrying about childcare. If you’re looking for something specific, try offering up some childcare-related services like childcare while parents are at work or cooking dinner for their family while they’re gone.
4. Call ahead before going to the Doctor
During COVID-19, it’s challenging for doctors to diagnose their patients’ symptoms. They’re also unsure of how to treat them because the disease is constantly changing and mutating. Make life easier for your local healthcare providers by calling ahead before visiting their practice. During this challenging time, you could save your doctor (and yourself) a lot of time, headache, and stress by being upfront about what’s going on instead of just showing up with a mysterious ailment.
5. Drop off Groceries, Essentials, and Supplies to their House
Nurses and doctors are often referred to as super-humans who don’t need anything. While they appreciate the sentiment behind this, it’s not very helpful during a time like COVID-19. They’re super busy and don’t have time to go grocery shopping or pick up essentials because of their hectic schedule. If you know a nurse or doctor under a lot of stress and needs help, why not give them the gift of time? That’s what they need. Please help them drop off groceries, essentials, and supplies at their house, so they don’t have to worry about it.
6. Leave Some Toilet Paper on the Shelves
During a pandemic, supplies are always at a premium. In the case of COVID-19, hospital staff members have been using toilet paper as bandages for their patients. Though they’re trying to save money by not buying new bandages and other essentials, families and preppers should know that hospitals will need these items. You can help your local healthcare workers save money by leaving some toilet paper on the shelves. Your nurse or doctor will thank you.
7. Call a Unit to Arrange for a Take-Out Delivery
Nurses are responsible for more than just taking care of their patients. Every nurse is also in charge of their patient’s room. They’ll need to break it down, sterilize it, and make sure everything is disinfected before the next patient checks in. During this time, they don’t have time to take a dinner break- they’re busy. A take-out dinner is a great way to give nurses some time away from their patients and healthier food for them.
8. Don’t take Masks or Hand Sanitizer from the Hospital
Nurses and doctors already have a tough job to do- don’t make it any harder on them by taking masks or hand sanitiser from the hospital. They’re using these items not only for their safety but also for the safety of their patients. It’s tough to take care of people without these essential supplies. If you want to help, drop off a box of masks and hand sanitiser at the hospital, but don’t take any from them.
9. Ask Congress to Increase Protective Equipment for Nurses and Doctors
COVID-19 is the deadliest pandemic in American history. Currently, nurses and doctors are wearing protective equipment that isn’t good enough for this disease. The CDC recently recommended that healthcare workers wear hazmat suits and gloves from a latex hand gloves manufacturer when tending to patients. This is crucial, but they can’t do it alone. Congress needs to increase funding so hospitals can buy more supplies to protect their staff.
10. Follow Protocols and be Patient with your Doctor
COVID-19 has caused a lot of problems for hospitals and doctors. With the speed at which this disease mutates, it’s challenging to keep up with new developments and changes in protocols. If you come into the hospital and you’re not appropriately treated, let them know. They don’t want it any more than you do. Realize they’re doing their best, and be patient with them; it’s a tough time for everyone.
Conclusion
These tips will help keep you, and your doctors safe during this pandemic. It’s a challenging time for everyone, and we want to make it as easy as possible. If you follow these tips, not only will your nurses, and doctors are happier but also safer, and more relaxed- which is the goal of every family member or prepper during a pandemic.