Understaffing is never something new in Healthcare. Many times we face situations like this, yet thanks to those staff who volunteer themselves, initiating to help even without asking them to do so and are always after the quality care satisfaction received by their patients rather than counting how tired they are with every effort they give. In this Crisis, they are the ones who excel the most.
Here is another story from one of my Midwife staff members who has been working for more than 10 years under the department of Maternity Labor Room. One day in the middle of the crisis brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic, ER Department called for an in labor Mother who was near to delivery and was a suspected case of COVID. At that time, the assigned staff for stabilizing the baby didn't have the Fit N95 size, so I, the Head of the department, needed to choose another staff that has the available N95 mask size to take her place. It was a tough decision because at that moment everybody was busy and we lack staff as well. As I was about to go and check in my office the list of N95 Fit test so I can see whom can I possibly take, when suddenly Mrs. Julieta called me and she voluntarily offered herself, saying "Ma'am! I'm here and I just finished my work with one patient. I can take charge with the baby care if my colleague can't go. My N95 mask size is available". So she was pulled-out from her room assignment and entered an Isolation Room for stabilizing the newborn. The mother safely delivered and the baby was stabilized and received routine care from Mrs. Julieta.
She had worked as a chairman of NUBC and had successfully carried the team to reach their set goals. Despite some challenges during the establishment of NUBC, she did not lose interest in doing initiatives that will help the patients in Labor and Delivery room to have a memorable experience during their delivery. Now, she is working on a second project and it is more than half the set goal that they have reach. Also, she helped the trainee Charge Nurses since she worked as a Charge Nurse before and covering understaffing with Charge Nurse from time to time.
Little may it seem for others, but I was moved with her words for selflessly offering herself even though she didn't have her rest yet from the last patient she attended. I can see her compassion by working beyond her given work assignment. I believe that she deserves to have her works be recognized. Her compassion to provide care tirelessly and selflessly brings inspiration for good teamwork within the department and ensures that the quality of care provided in the hospital did not delineate. Her smile is delightful despite being tired influences the team's high energy to continue as she helps without asking. All staffs are comfortable working with her and she has good working relationships and great communication skills with all healthcare personnel and Doctors. She is an outstanding role model in Labor and Delivery Room.