Expendable. Disposable. Sacrificial - Caitlyn's Story (PT 1 & 2)

Caitlyn, RN, Traveler, Emergency Room, Oregon
PT 1
A seasoned Emergency Room nurse, with experience across the country, Caitlyn moved to Oregon in January right before the virus hit the U.S.. Caitlyn describes what colleagues’ term “PRE-TSD” as the anticipation of the virus arrival accompanied by a sense of imminent danger and anxiety due to the lack of preparation and effective communication.
With limited or a lack of safety policies, no protective equipment, and no explicit directive from her superiors, Caitlyn and her fellow frontline medical professionals quickly realized they had already been exposed to the virus multiple times. It was also understood there was no way to stop the emergency department from eventually being exposed again. Part 1 of Caitlyn’s two-part episode breaks down how nurses and medical staff from around the country had to fight for their protection and safety while taking care of the sickest among us.
PT 2
In part two of this story, ER nurse Caitlyn dives deeper into her experience on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon. In this episode Caitlyn, usually unflappable, recounts her breaking point.
She describes her reality as more manageable if she stayed at the hospital to work rather than face her isolation at home. Like so many of her colleagues, sleep evaded her for days on end. Anxiety and stress followed her home. Away from any support structure, she considered herself a potential danger to others. She chose to not even go to the grocery store for fear of getting someone sick. Caitlyn self-isolated completely. After facing one of the worst cases of her career, Caitlyn realized she had been pushed over the edge and needed help.
Resources for Listeners
Safe Call Now: Crisis referral service for public safety employees and emergency services personnel: 206-459-3020
Crisis Text Line: 24/7 crisis support for frontline health workers from trained crisis responders. Text “FRONTLINE” to 741741
Physician Support Line: Psychiatrists helping US physicians and medical students; healthcare worker specific: 1-888-409-0141
Schwartz Center: Special Webinar Series to help healthcare workers manage stress
Got a question? Email The Quell Foundation at [e-mail] for sponsorship information or to find out how you can share your story as a guest on a future episode.