Hi there! Could you introduce yourself and let us know what you do for work?
My name is Kristen and I am a Registered Nurse (RN). I work in child and adolescent mental health services, but since January of 2021, I have been primarily working with our COVID-19 Rapid Response teams doing COVID-19 immunization and supporting the Health Link 811 COVID-19 Nursing Clinical team. Some of you may know, I am also part-time at the church with the Special Needs Ministry. Starting this week, I will also be helping cover part of Ryan's responsibilities as the Parish Nurse while he takes his sabbatical.
How has the pandemic affected your work?
On the mental health unit, we've seen how the pandemic affects the mental health of young people. The patients we see have more severe/exceptional needs and there continues to not be enough hospital beds available. The pandemic has also affected my work in terms of role changes - I didn't work in immunization services or Health Link 811 prior to the pandemic. There is no stability/consistency in my work, as I have gone through four different role changes within AHS since the start of COVID-19. Morale is low and many nurses have chosen to leave the profession. Staffing shortages are very real and can be very dangerous.
How has the pandemic affected your personal life/family/mental health?
The pandemic has heightened my anxiety. I like structure, planning ahead, and knowing what to expect. Not being able to have/do these things has been quite emotionally/mentally challenging for me. My husband and I look forward to having larger gatherings with family and friends again.
What have you learned from your experiences of the pandemic over the past two years and how has this affected your faith?
The Lord has truly given us so many things to be thankful for. I have seen evidence of God's goodness just as much during the pandemic as before the pandemic.
With all the changes that have happened to your family during the pandemic, what is one change you’d like to carry with you into post-pandemic life?
More outdoor gatherings instead of always having indoor ones (but only when warm).
How can we pray for you?
Pray for God to give us the strength, hope and resiliency we need to face each new wave and change that comes with COVID-19.
What are some practical ways we can show our frontline workers we care?
Honestly, the most practical way to show you care is to get vaccinated and follow public health measures. Show empathy, patience, and respect to everyone in the healthcare system that you come in contact with.
The floor is yours. Is there anything else you want to say?
I know that everyone has faced their own challenges during the pandemic. Although I do not work at the church full-time, I am very much available and would love to support the SCCEFC family. I would be happy to meet up with you in-person or virtually, do a home visitation, provide you with mental health support/resources, clarify COVID-19 information for you, accompany you to an appointment, advocate for you, etc! Please contact me anytime at kristen.ling@sccefc.ca.