Medical professionals from all over the country have been volunteering to help New York hospitals who are so overwhelmed with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of those nurses are from right here in Medina County, and we are proud to share and help document their stories.
One of those nurses is a Devine 1997 graduate, Stefani Bomfalk, whose mother Felicita Cleo Bomfalk sent in some pictures and told us how proud she is of her daughter.
“I’ve lost more patients in my time here than I have in my entire nursing career and it’s heartbreaking,” Bomfalk said in one of her posts about her experience.
Read more of her thoughts journals below:
May 3
Today, I read New York had 831 COVID-19 hospital admissions on Friday, the lowest number since March 24th. These numbers still seem exceptionally high.
There hasn’t been a day that I can remember that I haven’t had to perform CPR recently. Today, I learned the patient I had finished performing CPR on was a nurse who worked the frontlines just like many of us do, and I haven’t stopped thinking about that nurse.
I took a picture on the way to work today, and it’s always a great reminder of what we all have when we get off the bus. (Referring to a huge sign that said “Courage”).
COVID-19 is real and does not discriminate. That’s all I can say.
April 29, 2020
If I never hear “pt to acute”, over the intercom, I will be just fine. Today in acute care, we hit the ground running. From CPR to CPR again and again, bilateral chest tubes, central lines for everyone, drip after drip after drip, these girls are literally what got me through today. We were swamped all day; 6:45 couldn’t come fast enough. Shout out to Dr. Scheele for getting it done today.
I have gained more resilience and strength in my short time here, but I’m ready to come home
April 24, 2020
Today was the first time I fell asleep on the way back to the hotel. These kind New Yorkers were waiting for us as we got off the bus, with signs of appreciation. The gratitude from New Yorkers never ceases to amaze me
April 20, 2020
Today, as I head back to the hotel after a long day I have so much to reflect on.
Every morning, I walk into the ER I’m often terrified. I fear for my health, I fear for infecting my family, but I continue to go back. I will continue to go back despite being uncomfortable in the PPE and my ears being in excruciating pain.
Why?
Because each patient I’m assigned to, I know I’m their person and I’m their only person. They are all alone. Some, I know will pass and I give them the same dignity I want my family to have if they were in their place.
I’ve lost more patients in my time here than I have in my entire nursing career and it’s heartbreaking. I pray for them, I hold their hand, I think about what kind of life they had and hope it was fulfilling, I pray for their families. I know I’m the last human being they will touch. I try to care for them with everything I have. Nothing is more human than that. One of the saddest times for me, is when my patients try their hardest to get out the words “thank you.” It’s everything. It’s so sad, but it has been the most humbling experience ever in my lifetime.
This is what I get to see every night I get dropped off; it’s my favorite thing to see after a long day. (Referring to two signs that say “Sometimes what keeps us apart, actually brings us together-Nasdaq”) (Sign2: “Ordinarily, this sign is seen by millions of people. Today we’re hoping it’s seen only by doctors and Healthcare workers. Thank You for your tireless efforts- Nasdaq”)
April 12, 2020
I was placed with the best group. We sang Amazing Grace on way to work today in honor of Easter.
April 14, 2020
We talked to a nurse today on the phone who I think best captions this photo: “The best part of this is the teamwork. It’s hard work, but it’s teamwork, we flooded the facilities and testing sites and offered them relief. But I look around, and I’m not alone, because all of us and regular staff are in this, together.”
April 9, 2020
I will never be able to unsee what I did today, and what I will see tomorrow, and the next, and the next, and the next….. I’m working in one of the most vulnerable areas in NY. I pray I will be able to get through this mentally. So many people needed help today and you just can’t help all of them. It’s heartbreaking, count your blessings.