49: Lori Lapish-Heins

Emergency Room Nurse

Lori Lapish-Heins is an emergency room nurse who has witnessed many people who have had covid because of her job. As the charge nurse, she facilitated flow of patients also doing hands-on care in the ER. She is a triage nurse who helps patients get the appropriate care from the appropriate providers. She explained that there were many changes in protocols as the pandemic progressed and is proud of the way her staff evolved with the needs of people as they emerged. Especially difficult was determining how to care for patients with respiratory difficulties and covid. 

Her concern for family and friends was challenging. Not seeing family and friends face to face was difficult. Finding a way to manage fear and stress in the face of the disease was a daily practice. She tries to keep her emotions in check to help others deal with theirs. She found it especially difficult watching the suffering and isolation some covid patients endured. 

She is very grateful for the public support she and other nurses have felt from the community. Lori prays that God gives us wisdom and helps us get through this very trying time. Her job has taught her never to take anything for granted.