As COVID-19 continues to spread, healthcare workers across the nation are putting the wellbeing of others before their own. Many of these “healthcare heroes” are members of the EA alumni community. These alumni inspire us with their vigor and selflessness, and through sharing their stories, they give us a small look into what it means to be a healthcare worker during these unprecedented times. To see the full-length features and additional alumni stories, please visit episcopalacademy.org/healthcare-heroes.
Nicole Cannon ‘17 Nikki was inspired to become a nurse after watching her grandfather suffer through complications from uncontrolled diabetes in the final years of his life. While she is currently overseen by a registered nurse doing routine patient care assignments, she knows that the warmth of a friendly face in the hospital can make a world of difference to a patient, especially one who is isolated from friends and family in the current healthcare environment. When we spoke to Nikki in April, Jefferson, like many hospitals, was not allowing any patients to have visitors. “This is very challenging for many patients as they may feel lonely and socially isolated,” Nikki shared, “Keeping these patients company, taking the time to talk to them, and getting them in contact with their family members and other loved ones really improves their time in the hospital.”
Nursing Student, Drexel University Surgical Trauma Unit Nurse Extern, Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
While many of us have been able to quarantine at home with family, many healthcare workers cannot. Part of staying safe for Nikki means eliminating face-to-face interactions with her loved ones while she’s working in the hospital and living in a one-bedroom apartment on Drexel’s campus. “When I come home from work, I immediately shower, wash my scrubs, leave my work shoes by the front door, and wipe down any materials I had at work with me with disinfectant (phone, ID badge, pen, etc.).” She is grateful that she has technology to help her keep connected with her family and friends.
David F. Friedman, MD '75 In his clinical role as the associate director of transfusion, David performs exchange transfusions and cell collections for his pediatric oncology patients, services that cannot be postponed or canceled due to the pandemic. Luckily, CHOP has not experienced the same shortages of other hospitals in the region. “Thankfully, children are less severely affected than adults,” said David. “CHOP has not been overwhelmed or even highly stressed by the onslaught of sick patients that adult hospitals are seeing.”
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
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Connections
David had the following message for the EA community. “If you are a person who knows they had COVID-19 infection, has recovered, and could otherwise be a blood donor, you should consider donating.” The antibodies in the blood of recovered patients have begun to be used by doctors to fight the virus in current COVID-19 patients. To learn more, you can fill out a Donor Eligibility Form on the American Red Cross website.
