ISRRT_COVID-19_book

Today was the first time that I was required to wear a surgical mask for a whole shift. It was
as uncomfortable as I had expected. My colleagues mentioned how they had struggled with
the requirement of Personal Protective Equipment [PPE]. The masks which we felt protected
us against COVID-19, also caused us some issues. Some had developed acne. I was reminded
of the problems many faced due to the requirement of PPE for theatre cases before I went
off sick. Last year, one of my colleagues had returned from theatre with marks on her face
from the mask she had worn for hours. It wasn’t long before the media had shared images of
healthcare professionals with marks imprinted on their faces as a result of wearing masks.
Those images are rarely seen now.
My colleagues have worked exceptionally hard during the most challenging times. I feel very
lucky to be part of an amazing Radiology team and I look forward to returning to work fulltime
in September.
My 8 key learning points
1. COVID-19 has affected us all differently. Everyone has experienced different
challenges and neither challenge is easier because we all have different values,
different norms, different lives, different perceptions of each moment that we
experience. Some individuals may not feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
Therefore, we need to remain mindful of this. We should avoid comparing our
situations and lend a listening ear to avoid invalidating others’ struggles as they speak
of them.
2. Keep checking up on those in your social circles. I always appreciated messages from
people asking me how I was. Do not be afraid that you are bothering them. Personally,
I would much rather someone asked me how I was rather than not saying anything at
all.
3. Please do not stockpile items. I, myself, have become wary of the number of items I
buy. For example, if there are 2 boxes of paracetamol left on the shelf, I will only buy
1. Someone else may need the last box more than me.
4. The best thing about my first day back at work was being around people. I have missed
working with my friends and colleagues. As an introvert, I never thought I would enjoy
people’s company. Has COVID-19 had an impact on my personality traits? Pre-COVID-
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