Emergency Department nurse shares emotional toll of dealing with Covid-19 surge

[Voldermort]

A typical workday​

“For me, when I wake up, I need to plan my work, and mentally prepare myself," said John, who has been working in the ED for two years now, speaking of how demotivating the job has become.

John shared that he's found himself having to steel himself for the busy day ahead, as part of his daily routine.


John shared that he's found himself having to steel himself for the busy day ahead, as part of his daily routine.


Generally, nurses get assigned to one of three nine-hour shifts – morning, afternoon, or night. This ensures that hospitals are staffed round the clock while staff get adequate time to rest.

But John says nurses are being asked to work overtime more often, as there is a manpower shortage.


It’s also been harder to take breaks, as there is so much to do:

“Before Covid-19, we’d usually go for a break around mid-morning. But now, we separate our usual one-hour break into [two breaks of] 30 mins each. We try to go as early as possible, as after that, you won’t have time to go for a break. The cases will keep coming in.”

Not feeling equipped​

John shared that he's seen patients wait in the ED for a bed in the pandemic ward – a ward for those who are Covid-19 positive – for up to three days.


The ED can easily get clogged up, with nowhere to send the constant influx of patients arriving in ambulances or walking in.

“At the moment it’s really really bad, it’s crazy lah basically. I think to be honest, we’re not equipped.”

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