But there’s also not a minute she isn’t aware of the risks.
“Every day we go to work and instrument people’s airways and we don’t know if we are exposing ourselves to this virus,” says Robyn, a Washington CRNA often in the operating room with patients at a surgery center in Washington.
“Policies are changing; our job descriptions and duties are changing at a rapid pace. The amount of fear and anxiety at work is an all-time high.”
And it wasn’t just herself she was thinking about. With two children at home — 4-1/2 year old Penny and 3-year-old Logan — Robyn’s ability to provide for them was as important as caring for patients. Without the teachers at the Bright Horizons Mercer Island Hub , she says she would have risked the ability to do either one.
“If the Bright Horizons hub hadn’t been available,” she says of the stark choice she potentially faced, “I would have had to stay home from work to care for my little ones,” and adds, “This would have put my mortgage in jeopardy. We only have so much sick leave and once it’s used up I would have had to go without pay. Not only would it have risked my home, but I wouldn’t be able to perform my duties as a healthcare provider. It would have risked my ability to be part of the team helping patients navigate this scary time, providing care to people who need it.”
Despite the unwavering commitment to patients, Robyn admits anxiety is at an all-time high. But she says the confidence about her children’s safety — not to mention the team spirit of those on the frontlines — helps a lot.
“The only thing I’ve enjoyed about this situation is how much I appreciate what other people are doing — the grocery store stockers, the delivery people, everyone,” she says. “When it comes down to it, we can’t live without each other; we’re one big team.
“Knowing my children are being cared for by the amazing caregivers at Bright Horizons has dramatically decreased my fears. I know my kids are not only safe, but happy and learning. I love that they have a structure that allows them to maintain some normalcy.
“I want to say THANK YOU to all the caregivers putting themselves at risk to care for my children. Without you, I wouldn’t be working and helping those in need right now.”
