Heroes Experience COVID Fatigue Also

By Michael Roberts, M.D.

‘Dr. Roberts, how long is all of this going to last?’ This time, the question came from a seasoned ICU nurse, at the end of a series of nights caring for critically ill patients with COVID-19. ‘I’m not sure how much longer I can do this,’ she continued. I have received the same question, and heard the same sentiment, in a variety of settings, both in the hospital and in the community.

We are all becoming weary of the pandemic. There are frustrations with the restrictions on our activities, with social distancing requirements, and with wearing face coverings in public. We miss gathering without fear of spreading the virus. We miss spontaneity and human touch.

In the hospital, COVID-fatigue has additional origins. We are used to caring for very sick patients at EAMC. As a major medical center in a growing community, we are also used to being busy. High volume and high acuity are both a part of what we do on a daily basis. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken this to another level. Many of our staff are taking on extra shifts.

Not only is there extra work to be done, but many hospitalized patients with COVID-19 have a prolonged course. Caring for patients, day after day, who are not improving as quickly as we want can be trying for even the most experienced staff. Added to this is the concern that caregivers may themselves contract COVID-19 and become ill.

In the beginning of the pandemic, it was common for healthcare workers to be hailed as “heroes.” There was obvious and palpable support from the community, and it made our team feel appreciated. As is human nature, support has waned over time. I don’t fault the community for going back to their usual routines. We are all looking for some sense of normalcy, whatever normal looks like now.

‘Dr. Roberts, how long is all of this going to last?’ I wish I knew. At EAMC, we are prepared to carry on as long as needed. We are working hard every day to care for our patients, COVID-19 or otherwise. So, if you have a chance, take the time to let a health care worker know that you appreciate them. We are all in this together, and it is only together that we will see the other side.

Michael Roberts, M.D., internal medicine specialist and hospitalist with Internal Medicine Associates. He is also EAMC's current Chief of Staff.