Breaking News:

Utah Nurses, ICUs stretched, even as hospitalizations stabilize

Dec 17, 2020, 8:03 AM

utah icus...

(Two workers treating a COVID-19 patient at University of Utah Hospital. Credit: Charlie Ehlert, University of Utah Health, August 19, 2020)

(Two workers treating a COVID-19 patient at University of Utah Hospital. Credit: Charlie Ehlert, University of Utah Health, August 19, 2020)

SALT LAKE CITY – COVID-19 hospitalizations have plateaued over the past few weeks in Utah, even so, the ICUs remain packed and nurses are often stretched thin.  

Jen Solomon is a nurse in the cardiovascular ICU at the University of Utah hospital. She, like many of her coworkers, has been pulled in to take care of COVID-19 patients. 

Many nurses have also taken extra shifts to help with patients.

Because of the PPE they have to wear, taking care of people can feel less personal. 

“It feels like a barrier. I’m in this weird suit because I don’t want to be exposed to what you have, but here I am to take care of you. It just feels very unnatural. I can’t imagine what it’s like from their perspective,” Solomon says. 

Although the University of Utah has relaxed its visitation policy, nurses still help patients with Zoom calls so they can communicate with family. 

However, it can also be tough to eat or go to the bathroom during their 12-hour shifts. 

“It takes a good 10 or so minutes to get on all the gear to go in the unit,” Solomon says. “Every time you leave, you have to wipe it down and do the process again when you go in. You just can’t afford…to take that much time away from the bedside.” 

Caring for so many patients has its challenges. 

“We have patients that, if they’re very, very sick, ideally they’re staffed one nurse to one patient. Sometimes we’re not able to do that. Or you’re taking care of two patients that have a lot of needs, and you’re just bouncing back like a ping pong between those two rooms all day long,” Solomon says. 

Another challenge is having enough ICU nurses. It takes months for a nurse to be trained enough to work in the ICUs. 

Because the hospital has had to pull nurses from other departments, the non-COVID-19 ICUs can sometimes be short-staffed. 

Ultimately, Solomon would like people to take precautions to protect those around them. 

“People are constantly saying, ‘The death’s rate’s so low, and it primarily just affects the elderly and preexisting conditions.’ If you sit and realize that these are people’s parents and these are people with families. Just because they have a preexisting condition…those people don’t deserve to be sick any more than we do,” Solomon says.    

 


How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Don’t touch your face.
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
  • Get a flu shot.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A

Utah’s Coronavirus Information

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Layton City Fire Department warns the public about slippery roads on Saturday....

Kennedy Camarena

Car accidents pile up over the weekend

The snowy weather on Presidents' Day Weekend has led to numerous accidents across Utah.

33 minutes ago

Three years since it was completed, Amazon is reportedly going to start package delivery operations...

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

Amazon may start distribution operations at Marriott-Slaterville facility this year

A vacant 3-year-old facility meant to be an Amazon distribution center is in the process of getting upgrades so it can finally enter into operation.

3 hours ago

Snowmobilers stand in avalanche debris....

Erin Cox, KSL TV

Snowmobiler who survived 3 avalanches warns of backcountry danger

Avalanche conditions are very dangerous over Presidents' Day weekend as snow continues to fall. Forecasters with the Utah Avalanche Center issued warnings for much of the state about heading into the backcountry.

5 hours ago

Passengers jostle with each other to board a train at the New Delhi Railway station, in New Delhi, ...

Associated Press

Stampede kills 15 people at New Delhi train station, Indian official says

At least 15 people were killed in a stampede at a railway station in India’s capital of New Delhi, an official said Sunday.

6 hours ago

The Living Planet Aquarium announced Saturday morning that their clouded leopard had passed away....

Alton Barnhart

The Living Planet Aquarium leopard died by onset diabetes

The Living Planet Aquarium announced on Saturday that its clouded leopard died of sudden-onset diabetes.

7 hours ago

FILE - Handcuffs in a jail cell. A Liberty Wells man was arrested for allegedly striking a woman wi...

Alton Barnhart

Liberty Wells man arrested for hitting woman with his car, police say

A Liberty Wells man was arrested on Friday for allegedly hitting a woman with his car after arguing with her over a parking spot.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Utah Nurses, ICUs stretched, even as hospitalizations stabilize