CovCare’s Healthcare Professional of the Month: Rose Mucci (Mercy Health and Youngstown State University)

Name: Rose Mucci  

Title: Nursing Lecturer and Staff RN

Hospital: Mercy Health and Youngstown State University

Years Experience: 24 years

Town, City: Youngstown, Ohio

It's always been important to CovCare to share the stories of healthcare professionals and their experiences on the frontlines during the Coronavirus Pandemic. How would you describe these fast 5-6 months since this first hit home for you and those you help take care of?

Teaching nursing students had to move from the live hands on setting to the virtual realm. This was a challenge for the students but they manage to remain engaged in learning.  In the hospital setting, the unit I work on has become a COVID unit and this has been a challenge. We had to learn how to protect ourselves as well as handle scared patients and families who could not visit. The hospital did not have the equipment available at first, we had to recycle masks which are supposed to be cleaned and then given back to us. We also recycled gowns at first but now that is not an issue but the masks are. I purchase my own masks to wear. I want a fresh mask not one someone else has worn. 

 Patients are very isolated with no family allowed and this has been the hardest thing for them to deal with. Confused patients become more confused in this isolated setting. The patients cannot see the face of the nurses caring for them with two masks and a face shield, hair coverings, and gowns can be frightening. Patients that are hearing impaired have an extremely hard time hearing nurse. Nurses have become total care providers, housekeepers do not go in rooms while patients are there so nurses are responsible for room cleanliness, the nurse assistants do not go into the rooms either so nurses must do everything alone. Dietary will drop off trays and nurses must take them in the rooms and feed patients if needed. Respiratory therapists do not go into patients rooms either unless it is a code situation so nurses provide inhalers when necessary, due to COVID being a droplet isolation no c-paps are used, and no aerosol treatments can be administered.  At home I have no small children so nothing has changed unless we go to the store and we must wear a mask. The grandchildren have not visited because of COVID and also because I work in the hospital.

You mentioned that you work on a COVID unit part time. How long have you been in that role and what does it mean to you to be part of that unit?

I have had to work as a COVID nurse since the outbreak hit our hospital. It is exhausting working on that unit especially because I am in the high-risk population over 65-years old. I would rather be where I am in the hospital though because I know the risks and am wearing appropriate PPE. The other units often have a patient who is positive for COVID and it was undetected at first and those nurses become exposed.

What are some challenges you've gone up against during this time working within the healthcare profession?

The biggest challenge is having the supplies needed to care safely for these patients and help with patient care. It is a very difficult situation being a nurse, respiratory therapist, nurse assistant, lab tech, dietary, transporter for testing and house keeper. I order my own masks (N-95), face shields, and paper masks to wear on the unit to ensure I have what is necessary.

How did you hear about CovCare? What has your experience been like with the brand in ordering PPE to protect yourself at work?  

This company has been a lifesaver for me to ensure I have clean fresh face coverings during this time. I also plan to order more for my students in the Fall.  

What have you learned the most about working in healthcare throughout the pandemic?

That people need to take this pandemic seriously and follow the guidelines for remaining safe. This has shown me that nurses are resilient and have learned to work together as a team more than ever before and thanks to our president and leaders in Ohio we have not struggled with hospital beds or ventilators.

Healthcare professionals like yourself are the real heroes and have been a source of inspiration for others during these trying times. Who helps inspire you?  

My family has been a great inspiration. We are a family of healthcare workers and we all support each other. My daughter, Tracy Smith (a Nurse Practitioner at a psychiatric hospital) is my hero. She has faced many challenges in her hospital setting and has been able to remain safe and keep her patients and staff safe.