Saint Mary's nurse shares experience during COVID-19 pandemic

1. Saint Mary's nurse shares experience during COVID- 19 pandemic The News 4 & Fox 11 Team spoke with long-time Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center (SMRMC) registered nurse, Tamara Erickson, on Thursday morning about her experience amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Similar to other nurses in the northern Nevadan region, Erickson said there is frustration and confusion among staff at SMRMC. "I think there is an awful lot that could be done right now for the nurses to prepare them. More so than what we have. Including honest communication from management, getting told different things on different days it’s not exactly a surprise but knowing what changed to make those differences we don't get," Erickson said. We have not spoken with other SMRMC nurses, but Erickson said the concerned nurses are well aware of the shortages and the fluidity that comes with their environment. She contends that this is why the staff needs to be given specifics when it comes to plans and SMRMC's stock of supplies and equipment. "I understand they believe they are going by CDC guidelines and if that is indeed the case then we are at a crisis point as far as equipment goes and that is disconcerting. So be nice to know why two weeks ago we could not wear basic simple surgical masks on the floor, whereas now we are mandatorily required to wear them," said Erickson. Furthermore, Erickson said that nurses are misinformed on SMRMC's parent company's, Prime Healthcare Services, quarantine reimbursement plan. "Right now they’re saying we will look at it on a case-by-case basis," she said. "I’ve read the information that says they will only pay us 48 hours while we are off waiting for the test results if we get tested...We need to know that we are not going to be punished for doing the job that we are trained and willing to do in case and need you are exposed and put into quarantine." Erica