Men In Nursing 2020

Zack Lott, Emergency Department Charge Nurse, Redlands Community Hospital

Looking back on this year, what have been the biggest changes in your practice?

The biggest change was leading during a pandemic. Patient and staff safety has always been a top priority, but COVID-19 poses an increased risk to staff and patients. Running the emergency department during the pandemic has required almost daily changes to policy and procedures. Adapting to change and helping others was necessary to make sure everyone stayed safe.

Tell us about the most inspirational thing you’ve experienced as a nurse during this pandemic.

The ER nurses have gone out of their way to help each other during these difficult times. The teamwork has always been great in the ER, but it has improved immensely since the pandemic. The compassion I have seen has been inspirational. On a couple of occasions, I have seen nurses at the bedside in full PPE holding a patient’s hand so the patient did not have to die alone — demonstrating our commitment to caring science.

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What nonmedical support from family, friends or the general public has been most appreciated?

We have received an outpouring of support from the community. Local businesses have donated food, PPE supplies, cloth surgical caps and other items, which has helped lift the spirits of staff. One of our nurses’ sisters made baked goods nightly for staff, which was really appreciated.

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How have you grown as a nurse since you started working in this profession?

I feel I have grown to become a leader and a resource for other nurses. I am now able to run the emergency department efficiently and effectively. I cross-trained in ICU to gain better knowledge of critical patients, which has allowed me to help guide new nurses in their care. However, I am on a lifelong journey, and I realize there is still plenty of room to grow.

Read the full Men in Nursing 2020 article here.


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