Heroic nurses care for coronavirus patients in New York
French Hospital is continually humbled by the compassion and care our staff demonstrates every day with every patient. During the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen our staff go even further than ever before. This dedication to caring for others was exemplified at the beginning of the pandemic when three brave nurses from French Hospital volunteered to go to New York to help care for countless COVID-19 patients in a state that was in dire need of medical support. “I was hearing how bad the virus was hitting hotspots like New York City,” says Jessi Norris, a Registered Nurse who works in French Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and Post-Anesthesia Recovery Unit. “Being a critical care nurse, I knew that I had the skills that these hard-hit cities needed.” In mid-April, Jessi and two other nurses, Devon Everson and Elissa Molfino (above, left to right), called FEMA-hired staffing companies to inquire about helping. Shortly after, they were headed to New York. Jessi, Devon and Elissa were housed in hotels where command centers had been set up and were assigned to work in a 100% COVID-19 hospital. Their shifts were chaotic and exhausting. After 15
12
hours a day in full PPE, the nurses returned to their hotels to decontaminate and rest before their next shift. There were many difficult moments caring for these critical COVID-19 patients, but, occasionally, there would be good moments too—any time that a patient had their breathing tube removed and was able to breathe on their own without a ventilator, it was a cause for celebration. Overall, Jessi says that she had a very rewarding experience in New York. “It was challenging, but it showed me what I am capable of and made me proud of my profession.” After spending several weeks in New York and quarantining on their return, Jessi, Devon and Elissa returned to caring for patients at French Hospital. During these uncertain times, caregivers like Jessi, Devon and Elissa are true heroes. We thank everyone in our community who is on the frontline providing extraordinary comfort and care for patients and their families. To Jessi, Devon and Elissa—we applaud you for your amazing act of selflessness and your astounding dedication to caring for others. We are so proud and honored to have you as part of the French Hospital family.
