COVID-19 Frontline Feature - Joycee Phillips, RN
May 7, 2020
Joycee Phillips, RN has worked at EAMC-Lanier campus for seven years. You can find her in the progressive care unit (PCU) or the medical-surgical unit, and she has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, several changes to the typical work day have been brought on. “Having to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for my full 12-hour shift has definitely been different,” Phillips explains. “Ensuring that everyone is practicing proper infection control per the CDC guidelines as well as wearing their PPE correctly has been an adjustment as well. It’s also been a top priority to ensure the safety of my coworkers and staff, as well as families and friends when I am not at work.”
Phillips explains her experience working the frontlines of patient care during COVID-19 has looked a little bit different for her. “Quarantining myself from family for their protection and safety has been a challenge for me,” Phillips says. “My husband has had a liver transplant making him immunocompromised. It’s important to me to continue working because of my responsibilities as a nurse, and at the same time I have to protect my family.”
Encouragement from others has kept Phillips upbeat. “Seeing my COVID-19 patients improving and being able to give them good news has been amazing,” Phillips explains. “My family's positivity and support as well as my coworkers and the teamwork at EAMC-Lanier has really kept me going.”
It’s crucial for frontline workers to remember to take care of themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. Phillips says that she has been ensuring that she gets as much rest as she can and continues to eat healthily so her body is prepared to combat anything she may encounter.
“The amazing staff has really made EAMC-Lanier stand out during this time of crisis,” Phillips says. “Joni Winter, NP and Irene Manuel, RN were outstanding! The teamwork, remarkable encouragement, and generous support by our community has made us persevere.”
With the state of Alabama opening back up in phases, Phillips wants to share some important information to remember when returning back to our new normal. “It’s important to make sure you are wearing a mask when going out in public to not only protect yourself, but also other people in your community.”
