Today we have Marien Cruz on The Mag. Marien is an operating room Registered Nurse at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and an expecting mama. Read all about her experience being both pregnant and an essential worker during the pandemic.

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How has your work environment changed since the COVID-19 outbreak?

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, my work has been very flexible and accommodating, prioritizing my and my baby’s health and safety as I am currently pregnant. Since April, I was transferred from direct patient care to our COVID-19 call center.

In the call center I triage, assess, and coordinate a plan of care for employees and pediatric patients that have either been exposed to COVID-19 or those who need a COVID nasal swab done prior to their surgical procedures.

You work in the pediatric ward. How have things changed for the families you work with?

Many of our nurses have called out from their shifts in order to take over child care and homeschooling for their children.

In addition to working at a hospital in the midst of a pandemic, you’re also pregnant. I’d imagine this adds some extra stress to your life. How have you changed your routines and how are you holding up?

Being pregnant during a pandemic has been a rollercoaster ride. My husband and family have been very supportive throughout this time. We made many changes like eating only home cooked meals for the first two months or SIP, wiping down all our grocery purchased items, and limiting our time outside. Some days I am extra hard on myself about going out but other days I think I am only human and I need fresh air and vitamin D while taking safety precautions of course!

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What is something that people who aren’t pregnant during a pandemic might not know about?

At all appointments, I get my temperature checked at the door and I have to wear a mask the entire visit.

My husband was only able to be present for the first few prenatal appointments, I’m not sure if he’ll be allowed to go to anymore until I give birth. I will also only be allowed to have one person maximum in the room with me while I give birth. I always imagined both my husband and my mom would be present. Planning who may or may not be allowed to visit you and the baby when they’re born is heartbreaking.

I also never imagined I would be planning a drive- by baby shower but we’re prioritizing everyone’s safety to the tee.

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How do you think the pandemic will affect healthcare in the long run?

I think the pandemic will affect healthcare in many ways. When it comes to working as a nurse in the hospital, I think they will take more precautions and be more supportive of employees calling in sick when they really don’t feel well. Right now, only two adults are allowed to accompany any pediatric patient in the hospital and that may continue to be the policy so it will limit the amount of foot traffic- something not really thought of before the pandemic.

I hope all healthcare providers will be a little more conscious about their hand hygiene, and transmission of droplets via coughing and sneezing. And hopefully the pandemic has taught everyone to listen and be kind to their body. If they begin to feel sick they should stay home from work and other activities.

- xo, Marien

How can people find you?

Instagram: @Bobbygamcruz0