PALM HEROES: Honoring Those Helping on the Frontlines and Beyond During COVID-19, Week 2

It’s been said that not all heroes wear capes and that has been proven over the past few weeks from people who have put their own lives on hold to help those that are in need. These heroes are the medical and healthcare workers on the frontline, risking their lives and the lives of their families. It also includes teachers doing all they can to turn their classroom into a virtual learning experience.  The nurses who have to figure out how to do their best job and protect themselves and others during a shortage of supplies, and we can’t forget the essential workers at our stores and making the many deliveries to all of us staying home. Throughout this time Palm will be featuring these stories and showing our recognition to all that are fighting the good fight. Meet our Palm Heroes. 

This week our hero is Jason Pinson, a critical care nurse working in New Orleans, Louisiana– one of the epicenters of the COVID-19. We spoke with Jason about his experience during this pandemic and learned that the past months have been full of “rollercoaster emotions.” In any given day, Jason has seen multiple patients unable to connect to their loved ones due to the many safety restrictions. Learn more about his story below. 

What is your name and occupation?


Jason Pinson, Critical Care Nurse

Where do you work/live?

I work in New Orleans, Louisiana for LCMC University Medical Center.

What’s your typical day like?

Working as an ICU nurse in the new world of COVID-19 our patient ratio is still 2:1, but we’ve limited the amount of times we enter the patient rooms, instead, we are doing more cluster care. Before entering into the patient’s rooms, proper PPEs need to be applied (gown, two pairs of gloves, N-99 respirator and eyewear) which can take a few minutes. With conservation of PPEs, we have to wipe down the gowns, eyewear, and respirators when exiting the rooms and there are times we wipe the PPEs down just to go straight into the next room. Each day is a rollercoaster of emotions and mentally exhausting. 

How are you protecting your loved ones when you get home?


When I get off of work I typically change my shoes when I get to the car and the shoes then stay in the trunk. As soon as I get home I remove my scrubs and place them in the hamper and immediately shower before hugging loved ones. 

With long work days, how do you stay connected to your family/friends?


During the workdays, I rarely have time to check my phone or personal emails, but after shifts or on days off I use video calls to see and talk to family, and social media to stay connected with friends.

Has connecting with others outside of work changed for you?

Face to face social life outside of work since COVID-19 has declined dramatically. I do find myself being more friendly to strangers, saying hi and or waving.

 

We want to send a huge thank you to Jason for taking the time to chat with us during this busy time. We will be featuring new heroes every Friday, so continue to check-in with us to follow these amazing stories of people who are stepping up when they’re needed most. If you know someone who deserves to be a Palm Hero, please email their story to us at hello@palm.com.