IPS9

Staff Nurse Marnel Narag, Assistant Nurse Clinician Sally Chan Yoke Lan,
Staff Nurse Aubrey Avendano,
IPS9

Though it was usual ward duties for these nurses from Inpatient Suite 9 (IPS9), the care for COVID-19 patients at the ward brought a few extra challenges.

"We were the first ward chosen to be converted into a COVID-19 ward. Though we have cared for patients with airborne conditions in the past, many of us were quite fearful. Firstly, we are not specialized in infectious diseases control. Secondly, handling of COVID-19 patients is very new to us," said Assistant Nurse Clinician Sally Chan Yoke Lan.

There is a tall order for the ward, too! "We have to ensure that in the course of our work, our nurses do not get infected," said Chan. The Hospital ensures that the team is equipped with proper protection gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) before the operational date. "These are very reassuring for the nurses."

"I was fearful at first, but I accepted it and decided to face it as a challenge. Thankfully, the Hospital provided physical and emotional training on how to care for COVID-19 patients, how to wear proper PPE and infection control measures," said Staff Nurse Marnel Narag.

Though coming from a family of nurses, the prospect of working in a COVID-19 ward did not resonate very well with Narag's and Staff Nurse Aubrey Avendano’s parents.

"When I first told my mum that I'll be working in the COVID-19 ward, she was worried and asked if I can resign," Aubrey mused. Incidentally, Aubrey's mum is also a practicing nurse in Ireland. "It is a fact that we have chosen to be nurses so facing this crisis is inevitable."

"My three siblings are also in nursing. Two of them are frontline nurses taking care of COVID-19 patients in the U.S. and Jakarta. My mum was utterly concerned and worried as three out of four children are at risk in the field handing COVID-19 patients," Marnel recalled.

What kept them going? "Every day, when I come to work, I chose to think positively instead of being hyper anxious about what I will face today, or stress over whether I would get infected by the patients," Aubrey said.

To stay positive and healthy, Aubrey said she practices good hygiene, observes infection control, eat the right foods and getting enough sleep. "Only with the healthy mind and body, I can then give my attention to these patients," she added.

"Now, all our nurses are settled and well-adjusted to the COVID-19 healthcare environment. Guess it is crossing the first hurdle that is always the hardest," Sally added.