Last week I was on the 6th floor as part of a team performing employee medical clearances for respirators. Throughout the day, Valley colleagues first visited our station and then were fit tested for N95 masks. When some of our coworkers did not pass the fit test, we instantly knew that our small group had just done something significant to help our larger Valley team. Why is failing a fit test a success? If those individuals had worn N95 masks and come in contact with the novel coronavirus, they would not have been adequately protected. It felt good to be part of the team helping to keep our colleagues safe.

During our shift, I heard and saw so much. Code Gray and Rapid Response Team codes were called overhead, with those teams swiftly passing by our table. Many new faces walked by, masked and unmasked, each propelled by purpose. Sometimes a patient called for their nurse or said they wanted to go home. And yet, despite the increased level of stress and anxiety, I witnessed Valley teams throughout the hospital helping and working together—housekeeping, food services, COVID screeners, security, pharmacy, nursing, administrative leaders and providers to name many, but certainly not all.

At the same time, out of my sight and hearing, I know other Valley employees were downstairs outside the Tower elevators and ED, screening everyone for symptoms and fevers. They were also working hard to keep us safe.

Despite being nervous about their own well-being, as well as the health and safety of their families and friends, it was truly a remarkable experience to see ALL of my Valley colleagues collaborating and supporting one another in service to our patients and community. Remember that with this higher level of support and dedication, it's equally valuable and necessary to look after ourselves with compassion in those hours when we are not at work.

The enhanced closeness we feel for our loved ones and our fellow employees at this time is worth cherishing and protecting. It's the direct result of the commitment and resolve with which we face this pandemic, and will ultimately triumph. I look forward to being deployed again.