Seeing Beyond the Mask

By Frances Loftus, D.O., Pulmonologist, Associate Chair, Critical Care

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center

Do you remember when you were a child and something bad happened? Did your parents comfort you with a sentence that started, “Well, look at the bright side…”?

I know mine did, but I did not appreciate what an important lesson they’d taught me until now.

As I look at how life has changed due to COVID-19, it is easy for me to see the many negative impacts of this virus: death, disability, social isolation, financial loss, and more. I had to challenge myself to see if there was a bright side.

Before the pandemic, it was effortless to identify other team members at our hospital campuses and other care areas. Many of us wore specific uniforms to designate our specialties or roles.

The need for enhanced personal protective equipment, or PPE, especially masks, initially left many of us barely recognizable to each other.

This was especially true on our Intensive Care and Respiratory Care units, where we treated our most critically ill COVID-19 patients.

But now, not only do we easily recognize each other, we also “see” one another.

What have I seen in the eyes of our team?

Pride and accomplishment when we problem solve and find a solution that enhances safety.

Tireless dedication to caring for our critically ill patients.

Heartwarming displays of empathy as we truly connect with patients’ families to provide updates and support.

Strength and perseverance that help us come together as a team on our most challenging days.

Shared joy and relief when we get to send someone home.

We have learned, evolved and grown as a team over the past few months.

We will continue to protect, care for and connect with patients and each other from behind our masks.

We will do this in all areas of AtlantiCare, from our patient rooms to our business offices.

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve observed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New Jersey Department of Health guidelines for preventing spread of COVID-19. We’ve encouraged patients to seek timely care for all illnesses and injuries.

We’ve made all of the necessary changes throughout the AtlantiCare system to keep our patients, staff and families safe.

As New Jersey and other states continue to reopen, we still wear our masks and follow precautions to prevent spread of COVID-19 and to ask that you do the same.

We should continue to protect and care for each other as we move forward through these difficult times.

I can see if someone is smiling behind his or her mask. I can see a bright side.