COVID-19 Frontline Feature - Lynn Eden, Clinical Nutrition Manager

Lynn Eden, a clinical nutrition manager, has worked at EAMC for 26 years. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in our area, she has been working as the dietitian for the COVID-19 unit of the ICU while continuing her role managing the clinical dietitians in the hospital.

“One of the main ways my daily routine has changed is that I do not go into the patient rooms anymore, but I view them from outside glass doors and discuss with the nursing staff,” Eden explains. “It has been difficult for me to communicate with the patients due to the isolation procedures as I truly enjoy the patient contact I normally have.”

Eden states that certain challenges have come with the changes brought about by COVID-19. “I have to depend on information I receive from calling the families of ventilated patients to get accurate information,” Eden says. “It has been challenging to stay six feet apart in the ICU due to the volume of people it takes to care for these very sick patients. One of the struggles with COVID-19 is that a patient will be doing okay one day, and then the next day they need assistance to breathe in a serious way. It has also been challenging at times to answer calls to the 528-SICK hotline and try to be as encouraging as possible to people that have so much fear.”

Eden credits the community for the constant encouragement at EAMC. “The outpouring of support from our community in this crisis has been remarkable,” Eden says. “I hope that the community realizes what a great staff that EAMC has, and that the staff is working as hard as they can to care for their loved ones. I know it is so hard for people to comprehend why they are unable to visit loved ones during this time, but I think the staff has been very sensitive to the needs of the families that are put in that situation.”

“The teamwork of the nurses, respiratory therapists, doctors, and other ancillary staff is incredible,” Eden says. “The staff in my department are always willing to step up and assist in any way during a crisis. This is truly the mentality of the entire EAMC family. The love, compassion, and desire to help others overflows when crisis occurs. I am very proud to work for such a great organization that cares for the community and its staff.”