Honoring Heroic N.J. Nurses in the Pandemic: Erica Olson

NJSNA Region 6 member, Erica Olson, BSN, RN, who works as rehabilitation nurse caring for patients recovering from COVID-19, said, “Most of our patients have significant problems with cognition and activities of daily living. Our skilled team of doctors, nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists provide intense therapy, clinical care and emotional support to rehabilitate these patients for discharge back into the community.”

At her rehabilitation hospital, they have had to make adjustments over time to ensure that they have enough PPE in the hospital. For example, now they are operating as an isolation unit to limit the amount of gowns used daily.

The appreciation and support from administration, co-workers and families has been rewarding and heartwarming. Erica states, “There are no words to describe watching our patients during the recovery process.”

As a nurse Erica recognizes that we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients and their families and they may forget our name, but as Maya Angelou stated “people will never forget how you made them feel.”