COVID-19 Frontline Feature - Brianna Golden, Physical Therapist

Brianna Golden has served as a physical therapist at RehabWorks for five years, and since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in our area, she has also been working as a screener at different entries of the hospital. In her new role, she, along with the rest of the team, screens every patient, visitor, and employee for COVID-19 as they enter the hospital. This involves taking temperatures, asking screening questions and collecting data.

Golden explains that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, her job has looked very different than her usual role as a physical therapist for RehabWorks. “I usually see patients for physical therapy in the former HealthPlus location,” Golden says. “When it became the site for drive-thru COVID-19 testing, I moved to seeing patients at EAMC. Due to the large number of patients and to avoid overcrowding the physical therapy clinic, I screen people entering the hospital to help wherever I am needed.”

The screeners at EAMC are truly on the frontlines of the pandemic, as they are the first physical line of defense against COVID-19 at EAMC. Often, they have to face difficult and heartbreaking situations with patients and their families. “I have struggled seeing families come in to make end-of-life decisions for a loved one and not be able to give them a hug or hold their hand” Golden says. “It’s also been a challenge adjusting my daily routine and new working hours.”

Although COVID-19 is top of mind for everyone right now, many regular operations still continue at EAMC. “I’m encouraged seeing new parents arrive,” Golden describes. “It seems like a lot of babies are being born! Also, seeing employees from throughout the organization come together to work wherever they are needed, even when it’s really different from their normal day, is encouraging. Each EAMC employee I have worked with during this time has been so kind and patient even though they are in a stressful situation. It’s inspiring to work for a hospital where everyone is on a true team.”

Golden reflects that the community is really to credit for the continued encouragement around EAMC. “We have been loved so well by our community through meals, prayers, notes, and donations,” she says. “I want everyone to know that this has not gone unnoticed.”

“When choosing my career, I chose to work as a medical professional, and although I’m not in my normal role of physical therapist, I am still working in healthcare,” Golden explains. “In these unprecedented times, I get to keep my fellow healthcare workers and community safe. I hope to give them a friendly, encouraging atmosphere when they enter for work or as a patient. I’ll be happy to see my patients again one day because I miss them, but everyone's health and safety is the number one priority!”