“Everyone thinks that it’s just nurses, doctors and surgeons that are important in a hospital, but the hospital would not run without every single department and personnel that’s in it.
No one really knows what medical device reprocessing is. But it’s such a crucial part of the hospital. We are in charge of sterilizing and reprocessing all of the instruments that they use in the operating room and in different wards and areas of the hospital.
Since the cancellation of elective surgeries, our work has been a lot different, and we have taken on other jobs. With shortages of personal protective equipment, we distribute N95 masks, other PPE and isolation carts to make sure everyone is kept safe. We collect used N95 masks to be re-sterilized and potentially reused.
Working during the pandemic is fearful because you know you’re risking your health to go to work. I fear for my health and safety, and that I’m bringing the virus home with me.
But you want to go to work every day because you want to be on the frontlines, and you want to have a purpose. You want to make sure that other people are safe, and that we’re protecting our community from the virus, but it’s scary at the same time.
I just wake up every day and tell myself that this job is crucial, and we all have to do our part.
The hospital works as a team. As long as we’re putting forth the effort to show up, do our job, and take precautions, we won’t let the virus get the best of us.
I try to be optimistic and see the brighter picture. The more people who are in that mindset, the easier it is to go to work.
The more positivity around you, the more you’ll radiate from that, and you’ll radiate that to others.”
- Kianna, Sterile Supply Technician, part of the health care team