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© 2021 Rosem Morton
Work Day: March 26, 2020, Thursday
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland: 580
The hospital's operating rooms are less busy than they were before the pandemic. Only urgent and emergent surgeries are being performed and only when personal protective equipment is available. Hospital staff are faced with ethical questions regarding staff safety and patient's quality of life.
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© 2021 Rosem Morton
Day Off: April 20, 2020, Monday
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland: 13,684
Coronavirus deaths in Maryland: 516
My husband and I are both nurses. We decompress during their days off by laying quietly on our phones. Our high risk jobs in this pandemic reminds both of us to enjoy each others company as often as possible even if we both need some space.
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© 2021 Rosem Morton
Work Day: April 21, 2020, Tuesday
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland: 14,193
Coronavirus deaths in Maryland: 584
I wear a mask before walking to the hospital. Everyone entering the hospital is required to have a mask on at all times. With the growing shortage of personal protective equipment, I am still figuring out the best way to conserve while keeping myself safe.
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© 2021 Rosem Morton
Work Day: May 14, 2020, Thursday
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland: 35,903
Coronavirus deaths in Maryland: 1,748
I take my temperature before heading to work. We are required to take our temperatures for 14 days after working with a coronavirus patient. My husband and I are starting to accept our high risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
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© 2021 Rosem Morton
Work Day: May 4, 2020, Monday
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland: 26,400
Total deaths in Maryland: 1,216
6:40 a.m.: There was a significant jump in the number of patients overnight. We are now in the high double digits. The number of infected staff members is also in the double digits.
5:30 pm: On my walk to my car after work, I see signs of encouragement for frontline workers.
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© 2021 Rosem Morton
Work Day: May 14, 2020, Thursday
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland: 35,903
Coronavirus deaths in Maryland: 1,748
My hands are dry from working in the hospital and the constant use of hand sanitizer.
Public Story
Donning and Doffing
Credits:
rosem morton
Updated: 03/06/21
Donning and Doffing
(ongoing)
Donning and Doffing refers to the act of putting on and taking off personal protective equipment by health care workers.
Story and photographs
-supported by The National Geographic Society
-awarded Pictures of the Year COVID-19 Personal Expression Finalist
-exhibited at Photoville 2020
Since the start of the pandemic, health workers have been operating in difficult conditions as they continue to save lives on the frontlines.
At the hospital where I work, we are balancing caring for patients with a limited supply of personal protective equipment, while trying to keep track of changing protocols and working conditions.
I have been chronicling my experiences as a nurse during these times. My colleagues and I are frequently in close contact with the virus that could infect us, our coworkers and our loved ones. Many of these factors add to the growing stress, grief and anxiety around and within me.
On my days off, my husband and I, who is an intensive care unit nurse, try to relax and enjoy our time together, even if the mental and emotional toll of the crisis continues to linger.
It is my hope for the public to understand the emotional and physical costs on healthcare workers as we continue to take to care of patients while the novelty of the pandemic wears off and the crisis becomes normalized.
