Our dedicated caregivers have been working nonstop in the COVID vaccine clinic, showcasing our values as they protect our caregivers and eligible community members from the potentially severe effects of COVID-19. Led by Patricia Maule and Marcia Montoya, the team consists of Maranda Herrera, Jamie McCarty, Cheri Holladay, Susan Price, Margo Uhl, Marcus Appleton, and Steven Malarchick.
The group started administering vaccinations in mid-December when we first received the Pfizer vaccine. At the time, the clinic was running 12 hours a day; 6 days a week to ensure that all of our caregivers who wanted a vaccination could receive one. Since then, the clinic has been able to provide vaccines to firefighters and school employees who met the criteria, and even expanded to offer vaccinations to caregivers’ family members who were eligible but hadn’t been scheduled.
We have heard many stories from our caregivers voicing how grateful they are that we are doing this for their at-risk family members. One caregiver brought in her son who has asthma and works full time. “It’s been pretty scary and worrisome,” she said. “I’m really glad they did this.” Another brought his wife. They have a special needs child at home who is too young to be vaccinated. “We are really happy. It’s awesome that the hospital is doing this,” the caregiver said. “I registered but had not gotten a call. I was really glad not to wait,” his wife added. Many others getting the vaccine are members of our elderly population. While some of them expressed feeling a little nervous, they were happy to finally receive the vaccine.
Our incredible nurses administering the vaccine are also happy to be giving it.
“The big picture is public health,” Marcus Appleton, RN said. “The vaccine is for each individual, but it benefits the whole community, and it’s one less person we will hopefully see as a patient.”
“For me it feels like we are finally able to do something to slow down the spread of COVID-19.I am grateful to be actively doing something to prevent the spread of this disease. I only wish we could get more people vaccinated!” Margo Uhl, RN said.
“Even as a nurse educator, I initially hesitated at the thought of getting the vaccine. But after doing my own research and listening to the guidance of experts, including doctors and epidemiologists, I felt confident that doing so was the right choice. Giving the Vaccine in the clinic has been a rewarding experience of knowing I was able to help my community in a small way,” Jamie McCarty, RN said.
So thank you to our COVID vaccine team, and to everyone who continues to grow and adapt and be flexible during the pandemic. You put Sacred Trust before everything else and go above and beyond your purpose description to fill any needs that must be taken care of.