Jan is someone I have known for decades, and every few years we get to do family photos together. And because I love this photo of her in her kitchen in this shirt, I knew I needed to include her in this project. Besides, a nurse’s perspective is one we should definitely be hearing during this.
Thanks Jan for taking risks and making sacrifices every day to keep others healthy!
Janice Locke
Occupation/Business: Nurse Midwife, Central Maine Medical Center.
1. What is one notable change in your life since Covid19 has changed how we are able to do things?
Work is very different. We’re all being asked to use vacation days to save money for the organization. Some staff have been furloughed. Providers were asked to take a 10% pay deferment. Like most healthcare facilities, we are financially struggling. Office days, we’re doing a lot of Telehealth prenatal and postpartum visits. Routine appointments/procedures are being postponed. The hospital itself feels like a ghost town. When we get to work, we line up at the front door to be screened for symptoms and get our daily mask. Both staff and patients are required to mask. Labor patients can only have one support person- no big birthday parties. Expectant moms cannot leave the room to walk the halls in labor, nor use the labor tub (that was a tough pill to swallow.) They have to wear that infernal mask when pushing out their baby which interferes with breathing. But we are fortunate at CMMC (so far) no laboring mother has had Covid, therefore has not had to face the impossible prospect of being separated from her infant after the birth. Of course, our unit is prepared to care for covid positive labor patients if/when the time comes. It feels like a very prolonged calm before the storm. Everybody’s a little on edge and vigilant.
2. What has been most challenging?
My world has become smaller. I’m either at work or at home. I used to be out and about a lot: restaurants, concerts, road races, kid’s activities. I haven’t even seen my partner since March 17th. Because we both work in the medical field we are both higher risk to be exposed and spread virus to vulnerable people. We’re being conscientious, but it’s hard.
3. Have you found any silver linings you care to share?
Well, even though I’m bringing in 10% less, I’m not spending much so I’ve actually been able to save a bit. For this I am very fortunate. I know so many are struggling. Also it’s been nice having more quality, unstructured time with the kids. My kids are doing well and that always warms a mother’s heart.
4. Are there any shifts you are hoping to stay in place as we move forward?
Maybe more general awareness that we’re all connected. That our choices impact those around us. I love the sparks of kindness, helpfulness, generosity and compassion that arise when we look out for each other. It’s cliche, but we all really are in this together. I hope that spirit sticks around once we have treatments and vaccines. Oh, and I hope people keep washing their hands.
5. What are you most looking forward to being able to do again?
Seeing people, being social, hugging my parents. I just really miss hugs. I’m a total hugger
Jan and her daughters during our last family photo session.
I am ready for one of those hugs when the time allows! Thanks Jan for sharing!
xo ~ jb