Healthcare Heroes

This pandemic is incredibly difficult for all of us. It has everyone worried about health, school, and finances, among other things. However, one can find solace in knowing that there is a legion of people out there who are fighting the battle against the wrath of the coronavirus head-on. First responders in the healthcare field, such as nurses, doctors, and a plethora of other healthcare heroes, are all aiding in this battle. The fight against COVID-19 is a tremendously daunting task, but our community’s healthcare workers are doing a fantastic job. Through awareness of their experiences, we can gain a greater appreciation for them and better understand what all of us can do to help.

The Oncology Staff at Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Standing at the forefront of this battle, our healthcare heroes are doing everything in their power to protect us. Jennifer Omuro, a nurse manager at Maui Memorial Medical Center, works from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Working around nine hours or more a day is challenging, but Jennifer says, “at the core of my job I am helping people so no matter how hard and frustrating it can get, it’s all worth it.” Working alongside Jennifer is Julius Monthermoso, a manager of emergency services at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Finding that many of his workers were disheartened and overworked, he explains that the way to move forward is through flexibility, “The key is to adjust and adapt to changing times. Think progressively so as not to get stuck in old practice. Always think about how to make the job easier. Work smarter, not harder.”

Looking at the epicenter of cases within the state, we go to Kapi’olani Hospital with registered nurse Maria Shigetani. When asked about her daily schedule, she laid out what nurses have to go through during this time of danger and uncertainty within hospitals. “A typical day: get the report, go over orders, complete assessments, provide ongoing observation of the patient and their family,” she explains.

During this pandemic, the use of PPE, personal protective equipment, has increased. Many hospitals and medical facilities are adopting new rules and regulations for their staff and their patients. “ Mask and eye protection are required before we enter the hospital building. We are limiting visitors and have stricter cleaning procedures and protocols for the unit,” she states. These rules help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Still, there will always be a higher risk for those in healthcare environments. For their families at home as well. Maria says that “educating our parents on new guidelines as well as the staff and the knowledge that we could bring this infection home to our families is the toughest part. So even though the PPEs are a nuisance, safety has been the priority but hard to work in them at times.”

Heroes don’t always wear capes; some wear white coats, scrubs, or stethoscopes. Our healthcare workers are working diligently to keep all of us safe, but they can’t win this ferocious battle on their own. Wearing a mask when we go out, washing our hands regularly, and social distancing ourselves from others; these are small things we can do to help society rise triumphantly from this battle.