By Rusieljs Lunasco

Bedona holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Hunter College of the City University of New York. She is on the board of the Philippine Nurses Association of New York from 2018 up to the present.

Femarie Clarete- Bedona, MS, RN, CCRN (BSN ’80) shared her experiences as a frontliner in the US in an entry published in USA Inquirer.

Bedona said that she was confronted with challenges when New York City became the epicenter of COVID-19 since March last year.

“Being a witness to the death of about 90 percent of our patients is not only demoralizing, but also devastating. The most painful feeling I experienced was when we lost a patient who was a nurse working in our sister facility. I felt so defeated and vulnerable. The knowledge of the death of fellow nurses and friends with whom I had personal and professional relationships, made me doubt if I can still survive with the kind of exposure I had to confined patients. “Doffing” or taking out my PPE at the end of the shift takes another 15 to 20 minutes, making sure that I do it right while disinfecting myself as much as possible.”

She shares nurses would go beyond their specific duties and are exposed to the danger of being infected by COVID-19 in exchange for the health and safety of other hospital personnel.

“The threat to my health and life has been extremely draining emotionally and psychologically, physically exhaustive and stressful, which has led to anxiety. Despite my extreme fear, which I was able to overcome, I’ve remained focused on my job. Never have I entertained the idea of giving up my work in exchange for my own personal safety.”

Despite the difficulties brought about by pandemic, Bedona says she was able to have a closer bond with her fellow nurses in the ICU. Also, the heartwarming support shown by the community to the frontliners has had an uplifting and positive effect on them.

In moments of uncertainty prayer has been her only comfort. “The prayers of the members of my family, our friends and members of the pastoral staff in our church have made me persevere and become the best version of myself in this worst situation. Faith and trust in God has held us together during these months of uncertainty. I know that the Lord is always around to protect me and my family.”

Bedona who is a Critical Care Unit nurse for 27 years currently works as an Intensive Care Unit nurse in Manhattan.

For the full article please click the link below:
https://usa.inquirer.net/62274/the-threat-to-my-health-and-life-has-led-to-anxiety-fil-am-icu-nurse