I start my new job today. Very small practice and only seeing a very limited number of patients that come for pain management who would otherwise be going to the ER. Other appointments are being managed via telehealth or simply being cancelled. Mostly I’m training today.
That said, I’m feeling a bit nervous. I haven’t gone anywhere other than the market or for a walk in two weeks. The doc/owner consulted with the city health department and has implemented all kinds of safety/cleaning measures so I’m comfortable with the office space itself. A little more concerned about patient contact.
We aren’t having anyone sign in or pay in person and the desk is deep enough that I’ll be able to stay 6 ft away. I have my own stash of Purell, my own pen, and am planning on showering as soon as I come home (and washing my clothing). Anything else I should be doing?
Starting a new job in the middle of pandemic adds a new layer of nervousness!
There is enough nervousness with starting a new job without this additional layer!
That said, it sounds like your health dept, your office and yourself have a good solid layer of protection set up. Just make it part of your routine to sanitize after each human contact, after leaving your desk for the bathroom or kitchen or whatever, and to avoid hands to face.
I’m sure they are very grateful to have you. This may in fact accelerate the “team” feeling you have there. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
What you are doing is very important. If you can keep people away from the emergency room and relieve the burden from the hospitals, that is absolutely critical. Thank you for doing that. I agree with one of my coworkers, who said, “We are on the front lines of a war, and this feels like a military mission”. Having been in the military during Desert Storm, it does feel like that.
I have accepted that I will likely get sick, and it’s a risk that I’m willing to take. I am, however, being as careful as possible. I act like everyone is sick, including me, and I am trying to not expose anyone else if possible. No unnecessary interaction, no visiting elderly or at risk people, online purchases if possible. I have to travel, so stay in my room (except for running while staying far away from others), and try to eat the food I brought with me if possible. Constant hand washing and hand sanitizer, assume everything I touch is contaminated, always wash hands before touching things going into my mouth. I can’t avoid close contact with some coworkers, but there’s nothing whatsoever I can do about that.
Another thing, I’ve heard that up to 80% of us may get COVID-19 in this country, if that’s anything close to the correct number, it seems like you may as well do your job to keep the world moving, if it’s deemed as essential. Take precautions of course, and definitely stay home if you are older or have an at risk health condition!
I work in the ED. Exposed on Saturday. Self quarantining even with my own family. I havent been out in public and no hugging or kissing the loved ones. I stay in my bedroom as much as possible away from them.
Im fearful I now have it. Been starting to feel cruddy but hard to tell if its just my seasonal allergies as well which kick in at this time.
@2plustrio My seasonal allergies have really kicked in. Heard an allergist speak: Biggest difference between allergy symptoms and virus symptoms is a fever, so take your temperature regularly, even if you don’t feel warm. Another thing I have read - and I hate spreading conspiracy theories but I think this is true… you know, I have a gut feeling! Loss of sense of taste and smell is an early symptom of this virus. Something to watch out for.
My wife and I have been social distancing and isolating pretty well for more than a week now. BUT our live-at-home-with-us son works at a grocery store, so our efforts may be in vain.
