OU Chief Nursing Officer: Staff ‘Have Risen To The Occasion’ During Coronavirus Pandemic

Hospitals across the country are being put to the test during this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Facilities here in Oklahoma are no exception.

“We're prepared to take care of the patients who need our care today, tomorrow, this week and going forward,” said Kammie Monarch, Chief Nursing Officer at OU Medicine.

In a time of fear and panic among the public, Monarch said doctors, physicians and nurses at OU have risen to the occasion.

“They are keeping their thinking caps on,” said Monarch. “They are working hard to make sure that when they go into a patient room and out of a patient room that they are donning and doffing that their PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) is by design so we don't make mistakes there.”

It was just last week tents were raised outside of the OU Medicine emergency room, screening potential COVID-19 patients before entering the building.

Exposure to the deadly virus is very real for those on the front line.

“The chance of exposure can range from minor to the extent to which a critical care bed would be needed,” said Monarch. “We are fortunate in that the staff that have experienced exposures in travel and that sort of thing, none of whom have required hospitalization so far.”

Doctors Day 2020 is sure one for the history books. A day these men and women will never forget.

“We as healthcare professionals and physicians specially probably can’t express enough our appreciation for our families, for our loved ones and for our community the way in which we are being rallied around and supported,” said Monarch.

Donations of PPE have come pouring in following a shortage. Monarch said equipment is adequate at this time however mentions it is a situation that changes day by day.

Doctors and nurses at OU Medicine ask for your patience if you have a regular appointment while they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.