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Alumni on the Frontlines: Meghan Kettinger'19 (Nursing)

Where are you a nurse and what unit do you work in?

I am currently a nurse at Highland Hospital. I work on East 5, which specializes in oncology, palliative and hospice care.

What is it like to be a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic?

I think the hardest part right now is the uncertainty and all the changes. It seems like I get at least one or two emails everyday with policy changes and even more emails with general updates. Even though I feel supported, being a nurse right now is still scary. You never know if today will be the day you contract the virus. It is even more stressful being on an oncology floor with many patients who already have compromised immune systems. I am very thankful that I still have a job, but it has definitely added a layer of anxiety to my life that wasn’t there before. It has also impacted our patients and their families like nothing I have ever seen. The visitor restrictions, although necessary, are harsh. We have many hospice patients who are now only allowed to see two designated family members. Your heart breaks for these families; people you know will not get to see their loved ones again. So, being a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic is hard and the job description is constantly changing.

How did the Nursing Program at Roberts Wesleyan College prepare you for this health crisis?

Nurses have always been there to support patients and their families. However, with visitor restrictions, we have become the patients’ families. Roberts taught me not only how to be a good nurse, but also a kind and compassionate human. I can see past the day-to-day tasks and get to know the patient. More than anything right now patients need their concerns heard and validated.

As much as our patients need us, nurses also have to take care of themselves. Roberts definitely took the time to teach us the importance of self-care as a nurse (shout out to Dr. Raj!). None of us could survive this time without it.

How do you remain positive?

It helps to find one good thing each day to hold on to. I try to find at least a small victory within each shift. What helps the most are my amazing co-workers. East 5 is just full the most amazing nurses, techs, secretaries and support staff. Even though these are scary times, I still love coming to work every day because of them.

How can others support nurses during the pandemic?

I know people cannot fully understand what it is like in the hospitals right now. Some shifts are just plain bad. On those days, I appreciate my family that will sincerely ask me how I’m doing and will listen when I give them a real and honest answer. I also appreciate when they give me the space to decompress from the day. I recently got a letter in the mail from a church member, just thanking me for all I was doing. Nurses also love food of any kind if you are able to support in that way!

As thankful as I am for all the support myself and my fellow nurses have received, there are also so many other essential workers putting themselves on the front lines. If any of you are reading this, thank you!

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