In early March, Emory Midtown received their first coronavirus patient from Korea. Shannon was notified the patient would be arriving in Unit 61. There were so many unknowns at the time. What does this mean? How do we care for him? What precautions should we take to protect ourselves? Although there were so many uncertainties, Shannon was on board and ready to engage her team to continue to deliver the best care. At the time, no one knew the extent of this pandemic and the impact it would have on Emory Midtown, especially Unit 61.
It wasn't long after the first patient arrived, Shannon and her team became the dedicated COVID unit. Shannon dedicated many long hours to ensure she and her team were safe. Early on, information was ever-changing, and most could not keep up with how quickly everything was changing. Shannon was eager to ensure she and her team had all the current information. Her support and dedication to the patients and her team were met with many challenges.
Soon after everything changed. Unit 61 was full with 50 COVID positives and/or PUIs. The staff was scared. They started calling out or getting notes from their physicians stating they were unable to care for this population of patients. The team had to start doing more with fewer resources. Shannon continued to be optimistic and was there every moment she could be with the team delivering care on all levels. Reality set in. This pandemic was surreal and was not going away. The staff was overwhelmed and looking to Shannon for answers. Shannon mobilized all resources she could for her team. She elicited the help of her specialty director, chief nurse, chief medical office, chaplains and so many more to try to provide all things necessary for her team. Shannon's presence on the unit became a comfort measure for her team and would prove to be one of the most important components of this team's resiliency.
In the middle of May, COVID would hit Unit 61 hard. Shannon became a victim of COVID. At first, she had doubts about telling her team because they had done so well in not having anyone on the unit affected by the virus. Shannon's integrity led her to be transparent with her team. Shannon continued to support her team, despite all recommendations to take care of herself. "I don't feel that bad, I can talk to them", she would say. I know she didn't want them to be alone. Her leadership showed up every day on Unit 61 despite her physical absence. Her team kept her uplifted, especially when her symptoms worsened. Despite, all the challenges, Shannon remained cheerful and optimistic.
Shannon returned to work in June and has continued to lead this team with strength, kindness, safety, quality, empathy, and compassion. I know she has days where she wants to throw in the towel, but she has graciously washed her hands of those thoughts and showed up for this team, not only during this COVID crisis but every day as she leads with resilience and hope for better days to come.
Shannon, you are an amazing leader, and it shows in your presence and spirit. Because of your commitment and the commitment of your team, you are being presented with the DAISY Award and Unit 61 has been deemed a COVID-outstanding unit. You will all be receiving DAISY COVID pins in recognition of your outstanding care and nursing excellence.