Silver Cross 6th Floor Frontline Heroes

As published in June 29, 2020 Crain’s Chicago Business: 

As the pandemic reached Silver Cross Hospital in mid-March, the New Lenox facility converted its sixth-floor nursing units into COVID-dedicated areas to isolate and care for these ill patients. The floor became the COVID epicenter. 

Early on, the nurses assumed added responsibilities to conserve personal protective equipment and limit the number of staff entering isolation rooms. With visitor restrictions in place, they facilitated patient-family communications with worried loved ones, delivering positive news and heartbreaking goodbyes. 

They expanded their nursing skills, becoming experts in assessing respiratory function, critical lab values and heart rhythms, as well as in proning patients to improve oxygenation and avoid mechanical ventilation. Initial doubts were replaced by certainty that they can master new skills, operate in a crisis and adapt to any situation.