Silver Cross Interviews Nurses For Coronavirus Video Series

NEW LENOX, IL — Silver Cross Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Ruth Colby has added a new video to the hospital’s coronavirus informational series: Nursing and COVID-19. The hospital said the video series has earned more than 44,000 views in total on the hospital’s Facebook page.

Colby recently interviewed Sandy Stanek, R.N., and Caroline Hinkle, C.N.A., who shared their experiences working on the hospital’s first dedicated coronavirus unit. According to the hospital, topics include caring for patients, communicating with patient family members, donning and doffing personal protective equipment and community support.

“I want you both to know from the bottom of my heart and the entire team’s heart here how grateful we are for everything you’re doing to care for these very, very sick patients,” Colby said as she introduced the two caregivers.

A four-year Silver Cross veteran, the hospital said Stanek was one of the first nurses to care for a coronavirus patient at Silver Cross back in mid-March. She described the experience as surreal and the unit as quiet with just a single patient. But before the day was over, the census grew to five patients, and today, Silver Cross is providing care for coronavirus patients on the sixth floor, in the intensive care unit and in other select units within the hospital.

Hinkle, who’s been a certified nursing assistant at Silver Cross for the past year, demonstrated how to put on and take off personal protective equipment to care for patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus in the 12-minute video.

“I know it reassures everybody how safe you are and how you’re keeping others safe,” Colby added.

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And while the hospital has visitor restrictions in place, Stanek reassured viewers that they’re keeping the lines of communication open “by making sure we speak with the family members throughout the day.” In fact, they’ve even helped set up calls between patients and loved ones, including FaceTime communication. “I know it’s not the same, but it’s the best that we can do right now,” Stanek explained.

The hospital said the two also mentioned how much the community support has meant to them and the hospital as a whole.

“Twice now I’ve been able to witness the wonderful car parades that have come by with balloons and the kids screaming out ‘thank you’ and the posters. It’s all been really comforting,” Stanek said.

“The letters and notes from the community really make you feel like you’re doing something,” Hinkle added.

Read more:

• Illinois Coronavirus Update April 21: 33,059 Cases; 1,468 Deaths
• New Lenox Coronavirus Updates & News
• 4 More Will County Coronavirus Deaths Reported