Thread by @KiraNewmanMDPhD

A set of my thoughts and reflections from week 3 of working in a #Seattle #ICU in the time of #COVID19: (1/11)

Things are still changing at work but not as quickly now. I have adjusted to my new morning routine. When I wake up, I no longer feel the pull of habit to iron a clean shirt and make sure my shoes match my belt. Everyone wears scrubs; they all get left at the hospital. (2/11)

It feels like we entered a new phase this week. Almost everyone knows someone who has been infected, and many of us know people who are very sick or have died, some of them medical professionals. (3/11)

I knew nobody would be immune, but for a while it felt like some of us might be spared. I felt like we could work in this pandemic but not be of it. It’s silly to consider this critically, but that’s the kind of magical thinking that happens. (4/11)

Now I feel the quiet throb of knowing that it could be me. I wash my hands. I wear my #PPE. I avoid people on the street. I don’t go out when I’m not at work. At the hospital, I feel safer than at the grocery store. It’s an environment I know and can control. (5/11)

I continue to be thankful for the environmental services, nutrition services, and supply chain staff in our hospitals. They keep the hospital going. I rely on their expertise for my safety and the safety of our patients. Thank you. (6/11)

At home, I am fortunate to get to spend time with my wife (@DrSnowInBus). In addition to her work as an ID doctor helping with the #COVID19 response, she has kept me going. She is my rock. Her wisdom, patience, and humor keep me sane. (7/11)

I come from a medical family--I am the fourth generation of women in medicine. We are all working on #COVID19 response in the various cities where we live. Some of us have come out of retirement. I am proud of them. For us and others, this is a calling. It always has been. (8/11)

When the city first got locked down, I felt guilty for getting to go out every day and go to work. That feeling has faded as I’ve seen people my age in the hospital. There’s safety to staying home, and it is a matter of huge public importance. (9/11)

The number of cases here is rising, but not as fast as elsewhere. I’m grateful to everyone in the city for their efforts. Because of them, we had time to prepare for the surge of patients. We still have room in the ICU. We still have #PPE. We're lucky. Thank you, #Seattle.(10/11)

As always, #WashYourHands, please #StayHome, and #DONTtouchYOURface. (11/11)

One additional tweet on this thread. For some people, home is not a safe place. The @ndvh is available 24/7 in 200 languages. It is free and confidential. thehotline.org/help/
#DomesticViolence