By ICU nurse shares what it’s like to be on the frontline
Today marks a year since the first patient tested positive for Covid-19 in a Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust hospital.
For many, working throughout the pandemic has been physically and mentally exhausting – ICU nurse Roxanne Jackson has shared what it’s been like to work on the frontline.
Roxanne has worked on the ICU ward since she qualified three years ago. She said:
“When the pandemic hit I have definitely been challenged mentally and physically. We worked our socks off and there where times when I was scared to my core.
“There were times when we were completely alone and we were expected to try care for these critically ill patients alongside teaching other colleagues who bless their hearts had never stepped foot into an ICU before.
“The pandemic has definitely made me reflect more on my own practice and I want to learn and do as much as I can in the future so that I never again end up feeling as scared as I did back then. Entering the unknown was definitely the scariest part of the pandemic.
“Overnight our ward changed and we were introduced to our dreaded PPE that we have grown to love to hate. The first time wearing that tight mask and being locked inside the ‘red room’ was a moment I will never forget.”
Roxanne added that the toughest part of the pandemic had been accepting that she couldn’t save all her patients.
“There has been far too many sad cases that I wish I didn’t have to remember and far too many hands I’ve held as they have left the earth,” she said.
“But it hasn’t all been bad.
“I am so proud to have been part of my ICU team and the NHS. In fact there have been so many happy memories that I will treasure also, the way we all came together as one and the way we all comforted one another when we needed it.”
“The pandemic has made me hold my children tighter and appreciate everything a lot more. I am very proud to have played a part in helping people recover and giving people dignity and peace in their last hours.
“I am very proud to be were I am and I hope to work my hardest to be able to continue to better my ability to help others.”
Roxanne added that can’t wait until she can spend quality time with her family.
But most of all, like many of us, she is counting down the days until the hurt and destruction that Covid-19 brings is far behind us.
