Medical Professionals are as vulnerable as the elderly to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. But that didn’t stop Victoria Cornell Carmona, of Mauriceville, from making the trip to New York where the virus has struck 161,500 people and killed seven thousand of the 16,000 that have died in America.
Carmona, a Deweyville and Lamar graduate, took time after a long shift to answer some questions for KOGT.
1. What exactly are you doing at the hospital and how long are the shifts?
I am a ICU registered nurse so I am helping take care of critical patients that are most affected by COVID-19. With these patients being in their most critical state I am managing the machines that help keep them alive such as the ventilator that is helping them breath and medications that are necessary for survival. I also coordinate with physicians, respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals to help manage their care. My shifts are approximately 12-14 hours long and I am currently working 21 shifts in a row to help alleviate the nursing shortage here in New York.
2. How tough of a decision was it to leave your loved ones?
I have no kids, but I am a newly wed of just a short 6 months. Making this decision was not hard at all. I’ve always had a compassion of helping people especially Caring for those who are sick. That’s why I chose my profession. When this opportunity came up it was difficult for me because I know I had to leave my husband and family behind for 21 days and then return for a self quarantine for two weeks. Almost 6 weeks of not seeing them. But I also knew I had a calling to help. This pandemic is going to change America and healthcare as we speak. I want to be a part of that evolving change, even if my contribution is minimal. I am grateful that my husband Mario is very supportive and understanding of my profession. He encouraged and supported me with this decision.
3. Lots of rumors out there….are the conditions in NY better/worse than the what’s reported and is there a shortage of supplies there?
I feel like some rumors are just rumors while other reports are true. I can only speak to what I have seen. And from my perspective, it’s pretty bad and everyone should be taking this seriously. There’s a shortage of hospital personel such as physicians, nurses, techs, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and all the other important people that help keep a hospital running. There’s just so many patients that are coming all at once that it’s very difficult to manage. Unfortunately you can’t prepare for a pandemic in a day. New York is trying the best that they can to have all the supplies necessary, but it is difficult to keep up with the high demand that is now required by these very sick people.
4. How long will you stay and where do you work back here?
As of now I have 17 more shifts until I decide how much longer I will be here. There’s a possibility of me staying longer but that decision hasnt been made. I was currently in between jobs back at home since I will be moving to Austin when I return
5. How did you find out about this opportunity?
I found out about this opportunity through a friend. She got contracted to New York and when she told me about it I knew it was something I wanted to do.
Carmona is one of a few from Southeast Texas to make the journey to New York. However you wish to show you support, let’s pray and/or have a good thought for all of them to return to Texas safely.
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
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