If you’re an ER nurse working in the middle of a pandemic, how do you frame it? How do you keep going into an impossible situation? Well, everybody’s different, but for me, this is what works. I tell myself:
- This is war, and we’re engaging in battlefield medicine. Do the best you can and be kind to yourself and others.
- Remind yourself you’re here for the greater good and make do with what you have.
- Realize that becoming obsessed with worst case scenarios isn’t going to help anyone – especially yourself.
- Stay calm and take advantage of whatever protective resources you have.
And finally: Understand that this is the new norm.