Nurses concerned about protective gear shortage
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Nurses continue to work on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, caring for patients. But some have concerns about supply shortages and the possibility of brining the virus home to family members.
As the pandemic evolves, they’re forced to grapple with the unknown.
“Not knowing who has it and, you know, could that next person that you think is just a regular cough also be infected with the coronavirus,” Michael Gibson, a staff nurse at Natividad's Emergency Department.
KION spoke with several area nurses, some who did not want to go on camera and many tell us they have fears of potentially contracting the virus on the job or possibly giving it to a family member.
But as essential workers, they feel a call of duty to still come in to work.
“I’m happy that I get to come and serve my community, and at the same time, I’d be lying to you if i said it wasn’t concerning. Of course it’s concerning. But I trust in my training," Gibson said. "I trust in the PPE.”
But some nurses are concerned about a shortage of personal protective equipment, or PPE, like masks, gowns, and gloves.
“If we continue to use our PPE at the rate we’re using it now, the reality is, we could face shortages," said Susan Scollan-Boring, an RN and clinical nurse specialist at Natividad.
They rely on PAPR masks that protect them from airborne viruses and N-95 masks. The N-95 masks get used up quickly and hospitals across the nation are dealing with a widespread shortages.
“N-95 masks, currently we are using one every time we go into the room, but there is some discussion about whether or not we can reuse them," Scollan-Boring said.
Currently Natividad has enough supplies but nurses are trying to conserve while making sure staff are protected.
Nurses want to emphasize the importance of people staying home to prevent the spread of the virus. If you have mild symptoms, they say don’t come to the ER, but come in if severe.
