She's proud to be a Virtua Nurse

By Kathleen McLaughlin

Virtua nurse Katie Grau, 32, of Laurel Springs, is a frontline nurse in the global effort to care for COVID-19 patients. In March, she volunteered to work on a dedicated COVID-19 floor, which means she only care for patients with the disease. Although she was nervous when she began her shifts on the designated floor, she now views her experience battling COVID-19 as rewarding above all else. “Like anyone, I wish this pandemic had never happened,” she said, “but the strong bonds that have developed among the medical staff has made my experience a largely positive one.”

Although Katie has heard stories of nurses across the country who bear responsibility and risk as the only designated staff allowed in COVID-19 patients’ rooms, it is not the case at Virtua. “I am very proud to be a Virtua nurse,” she stated. “Virtua has established a true team approach to taking care of COVID-19 patients. Nurses are not the only medical staff entering patients’ rooms — physicians, nurses (including nurse directors and managers), technicians, respiratory therapists, and laboratory staff all work together to care for our patients.”

Katie explained that the anxiety she felt when the first COVID-19 patients began arriving at the hospital quickly alleviated. “We are well-staffed and well-equipped, which makes us feel safe doing our jobs.” Although in limited supply worldwide, Virtua has been able to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for its staff. Katie dons a gown, gloves, hat, an N95 facemask covered by a surgical mask, a face-shield, and goggles before entering a patient room. She has even volunteered to work more shifts because of the demands on the health system at this time.

The floor where Katie works can accommodate a maximum of 24 patients and is staffed by eight nurses, two floating nurses, and two technicians. So, on a shift when the census is full, Katie is assigned a maximum of three patients. Her patients are often extremely sick and usually receiving high-flow oxygen support. “The hardest part of the job is watching the FaceTime calls between very sick patients and their families because families cannot be there [in person],” she said.

“Although, it’s not all bad news. There are many uplifting moments,” explained Katie. “When ‘Here Comes the Sun’ is played on the hospital’s public address system, we all smile because it means that a COVID-19 patient has recovered and is leaving the hospital. There is no better sound than that.”

Katie lives with her husband Brian, a pediatric home care nurse, and their three dogs. “We both have been very socially distant from our families and friends during the pandemic,” she said. “But it’s OK. There is a reason I chose to be a nurse. It’s time to step up to the plate — and I am proud to do just that.”

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About Virtua Health:

Virtua Health is committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including a renowned cardiology program, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, and more than 280 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program. Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, from addiction and other behavioral issues to lack of nutritious food and stable housing. A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many awards for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment. For more information, visit ThisIsVirtua.org. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.