(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Battling COVID

P.A. nurses feeling burnt out & stressed as hospital continues battle against COVID-19

Oct 8, 2021 | 1:37 PM

Anxiety, fear, and fatigue are just some of the raw emotions plaguing nurses at Prince Albert’s Victoria Hospital.

That’s according to Tracy Zambory, President of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, who spoke to healthcare professionals at the hospital on Friday about the ongoing stress the COVID-19 pandemic is causing.

In Regina and Saskatoon, several nurses who’ve been trained to work in multiple departments have been able to help in areas such as the ICU.

Zambory told paNOW P.A. doesn’t have the same luxury.

“They sent out a call for help in the ICU over the weekend and they only got two replies back from people whose time is very limited because they’re working in other areas,” she said.

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The Saskatchewan Health Authority notes, as of Oct. 7, 30 individuals in the north-central region, which includes P.A., are being treated in hospital for the virus.

Three of these individuals are currently in the ICU.

In an email sent to paNOW, SHA spokesperson Doug Dahl wouldn’t specify how many beds are being used or are available at Victoria Hospital.

He stated the province’s ICU count has been increased to 130 from its usual 79 beds to help combat the high number of COVID-19 patients.

Zambory, who didn’t know how many beds were being used, says it’s clear by talking with the nurses that they’re stressed and burnt out.

“What takes them down more than anything is working without a break, working while incredibly short-staffed, having expectations put on them they’re not able to meet but they keep pushing themselves,” she explained.

Despite some believing the Victoria Hospital isn’t busy, she said it’s much different behind the scenes.

People being treated for COVID-19, whether in the ICU or in one of the hospital’s rooms, are being isolated from everyone else and can’t be seen by the public.

“Quiet does not mean not overrun, there isn’t a way for people who come into the door to understand what’s unfolding in the medicine unit or the intensive care unit,” Zambory added.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow