Holding On: A Theatre Nurse’s Story from the COVID Pandemic

There are moments when I start thinking about the good old days. Those were the days of the functioning operating room (OR). I knew all the ins and outs of it, including the required preparations for surgeries, packs, and lists of surgeons. We were professionals in our field, but everything is not as busy as it was before the COVID-19 outbreak. The situation with the pandemic is a complete disaster since all elective surgeries were canceled for the time being. I miss the good old days when we were surgeons.

COVID-19 was also a complete surprise to us as medical workers. First days after the restrictions, all the procedures in the hospitals were different: lights were dimmed, and there were new rules to follow. This situation was also frightening because everyone feared catching the infection.

Sometimes, we woke up in the ICU, and sometimes, we were in the COVID-19 hospital, trying to save people’s lives. We could not do anything about the new reality, so we had to face it and help our patients survive.

Living with Fear During COVID-19

Fear was part of our lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. We feared going to work and infecting others, catching the illness ourselves, and most importantly, not being able to cope with the demanding tasks at the hospital. Sometimes, it was too much for us to bear, but we bore it because one had to be strong for the sake of the others.

The COVID-19 infections were a blessing and a curse because we knew that our PPE was limited and that sometimes we would only get one mask to use for a couple of days. However, we managed to cope with the situation and went to work, saving people’s lives and taking care of the hospital as if it were our own home.

Living with the Masks On

There are moments and faces that I will never forget during the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember one particular morning when a girl was admitted to the hospital. She was scared and worried beyond belief because no one was allowed to visit her, which made her situation even more difficult. I tried to comfort her and stayed with her until her breathing stopped.

The event was sad, but what can a nurse do? That day was when I realized how compassionate I was as a healthcare professional.

Coping in Our Own Ways

We coped with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic in our own ways. Sometimes, the way was to receive a piece of sweet food or a piece of bread as a token of love from our colleagues to our hearts’ delight. We did everything we could to lift each other’s spirits, even if for a short while. We gathered in the hospital’s cafeteria and took a break for a few minutes to discuss random topics. Yes, it was all because of food, but that was the only way we could show affection for each other.

Tiny Acts of Self-Care

Self-care was also an essential part of our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. It was harsh, but we somehow managed to do those things that brought meaning to our daily routines. We would make time for ourselves to do some deep breathing exercises before going to the hospital. We would make time for a walk outside the hospital to gather enough courage and resilience to go back and take care of other people. We would also make short prayers before going to the hospital and after finishing our shifts to express our gratitude to the higher powers for giving us another day to be alive.

Teamwork And The Role It Played In Coping

The most crucial aspect of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic was teamwork. We always knew it was a blessing, but after the outbreak, it was an anchor that kept us calm and focused. I personally learned to develop deep bonds of friendship with my team members. They would write down nice notes for me before I went to the hospital. Sometimes, they would simply express their feelings about working in the ICU while looking right at me with tired eyes. They would also help me whenever I was in trouble without asking for any questions. All of these things played a significant role in my healing process.

What We Learned After Facing The COVID Pandemic

Being a COVID nurse was more than I ever expected, but it was also a learning experience for me. There were many different aspects to the experience, most of which were unforgettable. I have learned how to care for myself more, including developing strong bonds with my team members. I learned that self-care was vital to a successful day at the hospital. I learned the value of teamwork and friendship, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the most crucial thing I learned was that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

Moving Forward After COVID

Being a nurse in the time of COVID-19 was an ordeal that every healthcare worker experienced. The memories will always stick with us because they defined who we were as individuals. At the same time, there is nothing we can do about it now because the situation has long been over. After the COVID-19 pandemic, we were faced with multiple stressors as healthcare workers. Nevertheless, there are also good memories to be made, including those moments when we shared laughter in the hospital’s cafeteria.

We went from being the best surgical nurses to the COVID-19 nurses, helping patients survive the virus. It was a frightening time for us as medical workers, but we were courageous enough to stand up to the challenge and save lives while being in the blink of disaster. After everything, it was compassion that kept us going throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are a nurse reading this piece, then there is no shame in crying because of the distressful experience. You are not alone, and you should not be. If there is anyone out there who is reading this article and not a nurse, then I am glad you could find time to read my story. If you care about nurses, please consider reaching out to them because they truly deserve your support.

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Helpful Resources

• What Does an Operating Room Nurse Do
• WHO Guidelines for COVID‑19

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