May 2021
Menino
West
7 West
Boston Medical Center
Boston
,
MA
United States
7 West Staff - RNs
For a whole year, they gave everything. They rejoiced and sang when patients left, they huddled together and grieved in parking lots on nights when they wished they could have saved those they lost.
When Covid hit, the 7 West team sprang into action, led by Kate B and the amazing Dr. Jason Heath they came together to care for patients whose illness no one understood. Already experts in donning and doffing, already willing to face an emerging infectious disease, still unprepared for how best to provide exceptional care, they forged ahead. They displayed tremendous teamwork, communication, and resilience. For a whole year, they gave everything. They rejoiced and sang when patients left, they huddled together and grieved in parking lots on nights when they wished they could have saved those they lost. They supported each other, raised each other up, and loved each other, their patients, and their families. The 7 West Team stayed strong when supplies ran low when treatments failed, when their faith was shattered, they believed in each other and in BMC’s mission. When the free pizzas stopped coming, they continued, when the world grew tired of honoring heroes, they continued to be heroic. Fearless. Dauntless. The 7 West crew embodied teamwork, compassion, and excellence. 7 West was one of the first units to take Covid patients. My team took on their first patients head-on with no questions asked. 7 West trains twice a year to prepare for instances such as the Covid pandemic and were well prepared to take on Covid. Throughout our battle with Covid, there were some days where the agony, pain, and uncertainty of what was to come took an emotional toll on the staff, but they lifted their spirits by doing TikTok videos of staff showing proper handwashing and ways to disinfect their workspace. What seemed like something silly and simple boosted the morale of the unit. The staff also channeled all of their energy into caring for their patients as well as comforting their families throughout their stay. All of our patients became our family members, we took care of "our" grandfathers, grandmothers, brother, sisters, mothers, and fathers. When we finally discharged our first patient it was one of the highlights of this pandemic, we even went as far as giving our patients awards for beating Covid as well as a small rally before our patients were discharged. I could go on forever telling you about all of the amazing acts of love and compassion shown throughout the pandemic that this unit has shown to all of its patients. I am truly happy and proud to be a part of an amazing team of real-life superheroes.