Student Spotlight: Amy Rodriguez
Meet Amy Rodriguez, a nursing student who is currently on the front lines of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 as a rapid assessment nurse in Long Beach. Although she has faced challenges while adjusting to a new work rhythm, her ability to help others and provide care for incoming patients who need medical attention has been essential during this time.
I am one of the volunteers through the Long Beach Medical Reserve Corps participating as a rapid assessment nurse. My role at the clinic has been to assess patients that come into the COVID-19 tent or the other medical tent by taking their vital signs, asking why they are seeking treatment/what their chief complaint is, and details about their health history such as medications they take or any medical conditions they have. Once I do my assessment and take notes, I walk the patient over to the doctor or nurse practitioner and explain to them all the data I gathered. In addition, as I am speaking with patients I am also educating them about infection prevention strategies such as social distancing, frequent hand hygiene, and frequent disinfection of surfaces.
This opportunity came up as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As far as I am aware, the Rapid Assessment Clinic is meant to be a place for members of the community to come if they have general minor health concerns or needs as well as concerns about symptoms related to COVID-19 in order to keep them from going to the emergency department. As hospitals and emergency rooms are becoming more impacted, the clinic serves as a great place to meet patients’ needs without them having to go the hospital.
[An] aspect of the clinic’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic is education. Understandably, a lot of people are afraid and concerned when they begin to have any flu-like symptoms. The clinic serves as a great opportunity for healthcare providers to educate the public based on the most recent data from the CDC as well as provide emotional support for those who are anxious.
A challenge most people are facing at this time is just the not knowing what to expect. A lot of people are searching for answers and unfortunately, we can only give people what we know. People are looking for a remedy and it can be challenging to not be able to give them a direct solution to their problem. However, I am learning through this experience to give what I can which is compassion, an ear to listen, my time, and my prayers. As a new nurse, I am learning about how health crises are handled and I am witnessing the amazing healthcare providers that are stepping up to help.
