FaceTime for Families

https://www.kmov.com/news/local-nurse-sets-out-prevent-patients-from-dying-alone-keep-families-connected-during-outbreak/article_9f215e54-7b75-11ea-b5e8-f7ed727b142e.html#tncms-source=block-behavioral As a nurse who works on a COVID-19 unit at my hospital, I am experiencing the pain that families are going through by not being able to see their loved ones once they are admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of COVID-19. These patients are dying alone, unable to hear the familiar voice of a loved one. These families are receiving updates over the phone from a complete stranger who they only know as their loved one’s nurse, Amy, Wendy, Lisa, or whoever it might be on that particular day. These families are not getting the chance to express their love to their families during their hospitalization, due to the risk of contamination. Surely everyone has experienced the loss of a loved one, and how important it was for you to be present with your loved one during their illness, and ESPECIALLY during their passing. We all know how important it is to be able to say the things you want to say to your loved ones, in an attempt to comfort them. Some families just want to be able to pray with their loved ones, and they cannot do this because they are not allowed in the hospital.

Well, I have thought of a way to allow these families to be able to feel more involved without being exposed, and I am asking for people to PLEASE help me make this possible for MANY families. I would like to be able to purchase at least one IPad for each COVID-19 unit at each SSM Hospital in my area. This would give us the ability to FaceTime, Skype, or video chat with families while caring for their loved ones. This would give families the ability to pray with their loved ones, and express words of encouragement. Although some patients might be on ventilators, we have always encouraged families to talk to ventilated patients since hearing is the last sense to go. Families NEED to have the chance to experience these things as part of their own grieving process as well. 

With this being said, I am asking for donations to make this possible. I have taken the first step to making this possible. I purchased the first IPad, which I will donate to St. Mary’s Hospital, where I work. 

I know a lot of people are out of work right now due to this situation, so I completely understand if you cannot donate to this cause. If this is the case, please just help by simply sharing this post. I sincerely thank everyone for ANYTHING they can do to help this cause. May God bless everyone, and please stay safe!!!