---
title: HWS Clinical Excellence | Coronavirus
description: Coronavirus | As nurse leaders within HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, we partner with our colleagues to promote clinical excellence throughout the communities we serve.
---
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## [Hope is here: COVID-19 vaccine arrives at HCA Healthcare facilities](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/hope-is-here-covid-19-vaccine-arrives-at-hca-healthcare-facilities)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Jan 6, 2021, 2:38:23 PM
When COVID-19 arrived in the United States [earlier this year](https://abcnews.go.com/Health/timeline-coronavirus-started/story?id=69435165), it forever changed our lives. Healthcare workers on the front lines quickly proved themselves heroes and demonstrated their resilience time and again, even while coping with unprecedented scale and precarious personal circumstances. Nine months later, hope is finally here. HCA Healthcare colleagues began receiving the vaccine on Tuesday, signaling a turning point in the pandemic.
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SUMMERVILLE-scaled.jpg)
Stephanie Behek, a nurse in the COVID unit, was one of the first frontline workers at HCA Healthcare’s [Summerville Medical Center](https://tridenthealthsystem.com/locations/summerville-medical-center/) in South Carolina to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on December 16, 2020.
“Since the onset of COVID, our caregivers, whether at the very front lines or in supporting roles, have been selfless in answering the call to care for others,” said Dr. Jonathan Perlin, president of clinical operations and chief medical officer at HCA Healthcare. “The arrival of the COVID vaccine represents a pivotal moment in this pandemic. We know vaccines are the safest and most effective way to combat this virus, and we have implemented a comprehensive plan to distribute them – starting with our frontline colleagues.”
As states distributed the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to our facilities, our care teams on the front lines began receiving vaccinations. HCA Healthcare affiliate hospitals [Alaska Regional Hospital](https://alaskaregional.com/), [Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center](https://healthonecares.com/locations/presbyterian-st-lukes/), [Sky Ridge Medical Center](https://healthonecares.com/locations/sky-ridge/) and [HCA Virginia](https://hcavirginia.com/) were the first to receive vaccine shipments on December 15. Dr. Vito Capotorto, chief of staff and hospitalist medical director for [Henrico Doctors’ Hospital](https://hcavirginia.com/locations/henrico-doctors/) in Richmond, Virginia, was the first colleague to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among HCA Healthcare’s 185 hospitals. As of Jan. 6, 2021, all 16 HCA Healthcare divisions have received the COVID-19 vaccines with more than 130,000 colleagues now vaccinated.
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Henrico-COVID19-vaccination-scaled.jpeg)
Dr. Vito Capotorto, chief of staff and hospitalist medical director for [Henrico Doctors’ Hospital](https://hcavirginia.com/locations/henrico-doctors/) in Richmond, Virginia, was the first colleague to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among HCA Healthcare’s 185 hospitals on December 15, 2020.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[prioritized the vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/hcp.html#:~:text=Vaccinating%20healthcare%20personnel%20helps%20prevent,of%20long%2Dterm%20care%20facilities.) for healthcare personnel who may have potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. Given the critical role they play in caring for others, continued protection of caregivers at work, at home, and in the community remains a national priority.
When HCA Healthcare’s [Grand Strand Medical Center](https://mygrandstrandhealth.com/) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina received its first shipment of the vaccine, Keerstyn Allen, a registered nurse in the hospital’s COVID intensive care unit, was one of the first colleagues to receive it. “I can’t begin to say how much December 16, 2020 means to me. I’ve never cried happy tears for a shot in the arm. Nine months of literal blood, sweat and tears – so many tears – has a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Keerstyn.
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Keerstyn-Allen-COVID-19-Vaccine.jpg)
HCA Healthcare nurse Keerstyn Allen receives one of the first COVID-19 vaccines at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina on December 16, 2020.
“I am forever grateful for the amazing, intelligent and hardworking people behind this vaccine,” Keerstyn continued. “Believe in science. Believe in this vaccine.”
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/HCA-Houston-Healthcare-Pastor-Jim-Feirtag-of-Parkgate-Community-Church-blessing-the-vaccines-that-arrived-this-morning.-.jpg)
Pastor Jim Feirtag of Parkgate Community Church blessing COVID-19 vaccines
that arrived at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast in
Pasadena, Texas on December 17, 2020.
Yesterday, frontline caregivers from seven Nashville-based HCA Healthcare hospitals from the [TriStar Division](https://hcatristardivision.com/) received their vaccinations in Tennessee. Dr. Tama Van Decar, chief medical officer at the TriStar Division, noted the excitement around the vaccine and explained what it means for healthcare workers.
“What’s exciting for us is we’ve been planning for the vaccine’s arrival, and now that it’s at our doorstep, I think everyone here has a sense of renewed energy, a renewed purpose, and a sense of honest excitement about what this could mean for us in healthcare broadly and for caregivers directly,” said Dr. Van Decar.
She continued, “I believe in this vaccine. I believe in this science behind this vaccine. I believe in the intricate process scientists and oversight bodies went through to review it. The vaccine is safe. The vaccine is 95% effective, this is an incredible tribute to our science.”
Salomey Agyemang, a registered nurse for [TriStar Health](https://tristarhealth.com/), echoed those sentiments saying, “I feel really good. I feel encouraged. I feel hopeful. It feels like the beginning of the end of this.”
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/DSC09686-scaled.jpg)
Dr. Sydney Hester, an infectious disease specialist with HCA Healthcare’s [TriStar Division](https://hcatristardivision.com/), receives a COVID-19 vaccine in Nashville, Tennessee on December 17, 2020. “We’ve all been waiting to do this moment with just baited anticipation, and to be standing here and to be one of the first people to get the vaccine is just absolutely amazing,” Dr. Hester said.
Find answers to some of the most common questions people are asking about COVID-19 vaccine below…
**Q: What types of vaccines are available?**
A: Two manufacturers, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, have recently developed COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer/BioNTech was granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 11. Moderna received an EUA on December 18 and is the second approved vaccine, which will be critical in our continued efforts to quickly vaccinate and protect our workforce.
**Q: Is the vaccine safe to receive?**
A: Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are a new type of vaccine, but the technology behind them has been studied for decades. These vaccine types teach our cells to make the “spike protein” and train our immune systems to protect us from infection when the real virus enters our bodies. This type of vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 and does not affect or interact with your DNA.
**Q: How were these COVID-19 vaccines developed so quickly?**
A: Coordinated efforts by public and private partnerships helped accelerate vaccine development, but these accelerated efforts have not sacrificed scientific standards, integrity of the vaccine review process, or safety. Prior knowledge in vaccine development and advances in bioengineering were critical to the timeline, as well as government funding which decreased the monetary risk to companies, allowing them to develop and manufacture the vaccine concurrently with clinical studies.
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_4162-scaled.jpeg)
Luders Michaud, certified pharmacy technician at [Westside Regional Medical Center](https://westsideregional.com/) in Plantation Florida, holds the COVID-19 vaccine on December 17, 2020.
**Q: Who will receive the vaccine first?**
A: Based on national guidance, a “tiering” system is being used to prioritize those at greatest risk of exposure, particularly healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents. On December 1, 2020, the CDC recommended that healthcare personnel with direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials receive a COVID-19 vaccine first.
**Q: When will the general public receive the vaccine?**
A: Experts began working during the summer of 2020 on a strategy for distributing these limited vaccines in a fair, ethical and transparent way. Vaccines have been allocated to each state based on population. Each state is responsible for developing a distribution plan. Therefore, distribution plans and timelines will vary by state. For those receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, two doses are required separated by 21 days. Check with your local health department for updates.
**Q: Why is it important to get the vaccine?**
A: Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill, even if you do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available. According to the CDC, the combination of getting vaccinated and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.
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Topics: [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety)
## [HCA Healthcare experts urge flu vaccine to help avoid ‘twindemic’](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/hca-healthcare-experts-urge-flu-vaccine-to-help-avoid-twindemic)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Dec 7, 2020, 12:47:53 PM
# ****
Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins
# **twindemic**
\[ twin-**dem**-ik \]
**WHAT DOES TWINDEMIC MEAN?**
*Twindemic* refers to the dual threat of a severe flu outbreak on top of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall and winter of 2020
While the flu vaccine is an important preventative measure every year, it is arguably more important than ever in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. By getting a flu vaccine, you are helping to protect yourself and others from the flu. Since COVID-19 is also a threat this winter, it is important to do what we can to lower our risk of getting ill.
DYK? The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden-averted/2019-2020.htm) that during the 2019-2020 influenza season, the flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7.52 million flu illnesses, 3.69 million flu-associated medical visits, 105,000 flu hospitalizations and 6,300 flu deaths.
“While we wait for COVID vaccines to be broadly available, the flu remains the number one cause of vaccine-preventable death in the United States,” explains Dr. Jonathan Perlin, president of clinical operations and chief medical officer at HCA Healthcare. “By getting your flu shot and following the [CDC’s advice](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html) to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you will be in the best position to protect yourself, your family and your community from illness this winter.”
Dr. Jonathan Perlin, HCA Healthcare’s president of clinical operations and chief medical officer at HCA Healthcare receives his annual flu shot. October 2020 (Nashville, Tenn.)
In the Northern Hemisphere, we typically take cues from our Southern Hemisphere counterparts to predict when seasonal influenza will rise and peak. In years past, the Southern Hemisphere generally has its flu season from April to September. In the Northern Hemisphere, cases rise during the fall months and peak between December and January.
This year the good news – yes, good news – is that the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing a very mild flu season. For example, [Australia reported](https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-surveil-ozflu-flucurr.htm#current) a little over 21,000 cases of flu by the end of August, compared to nearly a quarter of a million at the same time in 2019. Experts theorize that this is due to an [unprecedented number of people getting vaccinated](https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/record-flu-vaccines-in-2020-to-protect-australians) and [behavior related to the pandemic](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6937a6.htm) such as social distancing and mask wearing.
However, this is not the time to let our guards down.
“If both influenza and COVID-19 surge at the same time, it could be very devastating. A ‘twindemic’ is something that we can avoid,” said Dr. Kenneth Sands, HCA Healthcare’s chief epidemiologist. “While what we’re seeing in the Southern Hemisphere is positive, we need everyone to come together and continue to do their part. We’re advising everyone over 6 months to get a flu shot, just as we do each year. By getting the flu vaccine, masking and distancing we can make it through flu season.”
In 2020, innovative measures are being stood up to ensure safe and convenient access to influenza vaccinations including [drive-thru flu shot clinics](https://www.facebook.com/carenow/photos/a.10150112023766047/10158639985741047/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWFZtw1mChIySAFNkqTsT6ja8dzC0U3usNxvrjPxrAtfW3UnjdV5UKGEKTRnlf-s7T5HfBBaT30vp3QBWOYlhgO_U6qB9Poj_wT1iYP87X4-oH9JNGfiiNOJcNGZLkWtgcouuRAPxxyF5Ft1RCzi0KBZam3cOLoQiiiqSgVeMArbw&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [authorizing state-licensed pharmacists](https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/08/19/hhs-expands-access-childhood-vaccines-during-covid-19-pandemic.html) to administer the flu shot to children starting at age 3.
**How can you tell the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal flu?**
COVID-19 and influenza are both contagious respiratory illnesses, caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses: Types A and B. The symptoms can appear similar, however there are key differences that you need to be aware of.
Both COVID-19 and flu can spread from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Both are spread mainly by droplets made when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It may be possible that a person can get infected by physical human contact like shaking hands or by touching a surface or object that has virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes. Both flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms, with very mild symptoms or who never developed symptoms (asymptomatic).
[According to the CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20difference%20between,by%20infection%20with%20influenza%20viruses.), common signs and symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer.
Another important difference is there is a vaccine to protect against flu. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, while COVID-19 can be more serious. A key difference in the two is that COVID-19 may cause a *change in or loss of taste and smell*, while that is not experienced with the flu.
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/symptoms-chart-sq.png)
Is it a cold, flu or COVID-19? Learn about similarities and differences.
**Available flu vaccines this season**
Those who are interested in getting a flu shot have multiple options. Trivalent (three-component) and quadrivalent (four-component) flu vaccines are approved for the 2020-2021 flu season.
The CDC breaks down available flu shots below:
*Trivalent flu vaccines include:*
- A [trivalent flu shot made using an adjuvant](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/adjuvant.htm)(an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response), approved for people 65 years of age and older.
*Quadrivalent flu vaccines include:*
- Standard-dose [quadrivalent influenza shots](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/quadrivalent.htm)that are manufactured using virus grown in eggs. These include Afluria Quadrivalent, Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval Quadrivalent, and Fluzone Quadrivalent. Different influenza shots are licensed for different age groups. Some are licensed for children as young as 6 months of age. Most influenza shots are given in an arm muscle with a needle. One quadrivalent influenza shot (Afluria Quadrivalent) can be given either with a needle (for people aged 6 months and older) or with a jet injector (for people aged 18 through 64 years only).
- A [quadrivalent cell-based influenza shot](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/cell-based.htm)(Flucelvax Quadrivalent) containing virus grown in cell culture, which is licensed for people 4 years and older. This season, all four of the vaccine viruses used in Flucelvax have been grown in cells, making the vaccine totally egg-free.
- [Recombinant quadrivalent influenza shot](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/qa_flublok-vaccine.htm)(Flublok Quadrivalent), an egg-free vaccine, approved for people 18 years and older.
- A [quadrivalent flu shot using an adjuvant](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/adjuvant.htm)(an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response), approved for people 65 years of age and older.
- A [quadrivalent high-dose influenza vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/qa_fluzone.htm)(Fluzone High-Dose), licensed for people 65 years and older.
**Stay vigilant to protect yourself and others**
In addition to a flu shot, individuals can also help prevent getting the flu and help stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these simple steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue available, it is best to cough into your elbow.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you are around others outside of your household and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs daily.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Consider getting the annual flu vaccine to protect yourself and those around you. Call your healthcare provider today to schedule your flu shot.
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Topics: [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety), [Flu](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/flu)
## [Thousands of Top U.S. Hospitals Encourage Everyone to #MaskUp](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/thousands-of-top-u.s.-hospitals-encourage-everyone-to-maskup)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Dec 4, 2020, 2:27:18 PM
*Growing numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths are troubling; facemasks can slow the trend*
100 of the nation’s top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S., have come together with an urgent plea for all Americans – [mask up](http://www.everymaskup.com/), because wearing a facemask is our best chance at slowing the surging COVID-19 pandemic now.
More than 11.5 million Americans have tested positive for the virus – including an additional one million in just the past week – leading to nearly 250,000 deaths.
The current trends are daunting and frightening. If the nation stays on its current course, hospital leaders are increasingly concerned that more healthcare facilities will be overwhelmed as shortages of healthy caregivers make it difficult to handle a rapidly increasing number of patients. Unfortunately, this is already happening in parts of our country.
The next several months will be critical. Though there has been positive news about vaccine development, no one knows when those vaccines will be ready for widespread use. In the meantime, everyone must remain vigilant, take precautions and follow public health orders.
The country has reached a tipping point. The power to do what is right is now in the hands of everyone everywhere.
Currently, a public service message is running in The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times. Additionally, hospitals and health systems across the country are uniting to share these messages regionally.
The message reads:
> **“As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But, here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So, please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.”**
In an effort to reach a broader audience, the public service also includes messages on digital platforms, social media, online information, links to vital health resources and more. Combining resources demonstrates that these health organizations are working together, will accomplish this today and will get through this together.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to [recent studies](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2769440) that have shown facemasks successfully limit spread of the COVID-19 virus. Wearing facemasks protect in key ways: by protecting the wearer against inhalation of harmful pathogens and particulates and by preventing exposure of those around the wearer.
In addition to masking, the CDC suggests that everyone minimize the number of non-household contacts, maintain a physical distance of at least six feet, and limit the amount of time around others, especially while indoors and in poorly ventilated areas. For further information about masking guidelines – how to choose a mask, how to properly wear a mask – visit the [CDC website](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html).
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Topics: [Healthcare](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/healthcare), [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus)
## [COVID-19: Infectious disease specialist weighs in on safely celebrating the holidays](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/covid-19-infectious-disease-specialist-weighs-in-on-safely-celebrating-the-holidays)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Dec 4, 2020, 1:11:55 PM
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GettyImages-1283545308_banner-scaled.jpg)
As we near the end of 2020, it’s probably safe to say that we could all use some holiday cheer. But with the [number of COVID-19 cases](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_casesper100klast7days) on the rise throughout the country, it’s important to remain vigilant. While it might be hard to hear, that means the way we celebrate the holidays this year will be a little different.
“Conventional wisdom would be that this is not the year to have a big, multigenerational get together with people that you haven’t seen for a while,” says Dr. Carl Vartian, an infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer at [HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake](https://hcahoustonhealthcare.com/locations/clear-lake/).
Dr. Vartian understands the desire to see loved ones, but is concerned that people will let their guard down, not thinking about wearing a face mask at grandma’s house or not practicing social distancing when around cousins they haven’t seen in a year.
College-age kids will also be returning home from their universities, where there have been [more than 252,000 cases](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/covid-college-cases-tracker.html) at more than 1,700 U.S. schools, according to a survey conducted by the New York Times.
“Since we don’t really know who has \[COVID-19\], who doesn’t have it, who could be an asymptomatic carrier of it, I think it’s just best to avoid contact with people you haven’t seen for a while because you really don’t know where they’ve been or what they’ve been exposed to and what they might be carrying,” Dr. Vartian says.
Or, you might be the one who is unknowingly spreading the virus.
Virtual-only activities, events and gatherings pose the lowest risk of spreading COVID-19. Instead of meeting in person, Dr. Vartian suggests using Skype, Zoom or FaceTime to share a meal virtually with long-distance loved ones.
[](https://hcatodayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVID-holiday.png)
Celebrating in-person carries higher risk and myriad precautions should be taken into consideration if individuals from different households will be gathering. If you do decide to host family and friends for the holidays, Dr. Vartian recommends keeping your gathering small, outside and socially distanced.
The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines for holiday celebrations](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html), noting that even “small household gatherings are an important contributor to the rise of COVID-19 cases.” In Canada, where Thanksgiving was celebrated on Oct. 12, there was [a spike in cases](https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/02/us/thanksgiving-superspreading-canada/index.html) three weeks after the holiday.
The CDC shares these factors to consider when deciding whether to host or attend an event:
- **Community levels of COVID-19:** Consider levels both where the gathering will be held and where all guests are coming from. High or increasing levels mean a greater risk of infection and spread. Check your [local health department](https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/index.html)’s website for case numbers, as well as information on local guidelines and restrictions.
- **Exposure during travel:** Staying home is the best way to ensure the safety of yourself and others, but if you do decide to travel, Dr. Vartian says driving may be safer than flying because you’re in your own “bubble” and can stop where you want, or not stop at all, depending on the length of your trip. If you travel, wear a mask on airplanes, trains, ships, ferries, taxis and ride shares; stay at least six feet apart from others; wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; and avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose and mouth.
- **Location of the gathering:** Outdoor gatherings are preferred over those indoors, but even if you’re outside, guests should wear masks when not eating and stay six feet apart. If inside, open windows and doors to increase ventilation.
- **Duration of the gathering:** Shorter gatherings are less risky than longer gatherings. Being within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of [15 minutes or more greatly increases the risk of becoming sick](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html).
- **Number of guests:** The number of guests should be determined based on the size of the yard or house and how many people can be there while remaining six feet apart. The [World Health Organization also suggests](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-small-public-gatherings-and-covid-19) that hosts control crowding by staggering arrivals and departures and assigning seats, among other recommendations.
- **Behavior of guests before and during the event:** Guests should practice safety measures like social distancing, wearing a mask and frequently washing their hands before attending, and avoid contact with people outside their household for the two weeks leading up to the holiday. Continue to follow safety measures during the event, and disinfect surfaces and shared items.
When it comes to food, Dr. Vartian says it’s important to avoid potluck-style dinners this year, where everyone uses the same serving utensils and passes around dishes. Instead, consider having everyone bring their own food this year (which might be a welcome change for stressed hosts!) or support a favorite local restaurant and order individual meals for everyone.
And don’t forget about the flu.
“Get your flu shot,” Dr. Vartian says. “We suspect that flu season may not be quite as bad just simply because people are wearing masks, they’re social distancing and they’re that much more concerned about hand hygiene, but that remains to be seen. Dual-infection can occur, so you just have to be careful. You can’t do anything yet about vaccinating against COVID, but [you can do something about the flu](https://hcatodayblog.com/2020/11/12/hca-healthcare-experts-urge-flu-vaccine-to-help-avoid-twindemic/).”
Should you find that your Thanksgiving celebration does produce an actual medical emergency, delay dessert and head to the nearest emergency room. HCA Healthcare ERs are equipped to care for common Thanksgiving health matters such as cuts and burns, food poisoning and chest pain.
In the end, remember this from Dr. Vartian: “You certainly do not want a festive time to become the scene of something really unfortunate, where someone gets sick and ends up in the hospital. That would not be a good way to remember a family get together. Stay safe during Thanksgiving 2020. If we all continue to do our part to curb the spread of COVID-19, I’m optimistic that the 2021 holiday season will look much more normal.”
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and HCA Healthcare is [demonstrating leadership](https://hcatodayblog.com/2020/08/10/hca-healthcare-colleagues-join-together-to-spread-knowledge-and-save-lives/) in our behaviors both inside and outside of work so that we can stay as healthy as possible to respond to our patients. But, we can’t do this without the help of those around us. Thank you for safely celebrating the holidays this year! Find more tips and considerations from the CDC [here](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies holiday-related activities at three risk levels:
**Lower risk**
- Having a small in-person dinner with only those in your household
- Delivering food to loved ones without contact
- Virtually gathering for dinner with family and friends
- Shopping online and watching sporting events at home
**Moderate risk**
- Having a small in-person dinner outside with loved ones who live in your community
- Doing outdoor activities or attending outdoor sporting events while wearing face masks, social distancing and using hand sanitizer
**Higher risk**
- Having a large indoor gathering with people outside your household
- Attending crowded events, like parades or races, or shopping at crowded stores
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Topics: [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety), [Holiday](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/holiday)
## [Working Through COVID-19: How to Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/working-through-covid-19-how-to-manage-stress-and-avoid-burnout)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Aug 17, 2020, 5:07:32 PM
HCA Healthcare colleagues offer advice for navigating and adapting to a changing workplace.
The coronavirus pandemic has altered the way many HCA Healthcare colleagues do their jobs. Some may be working from home for the first time. Others may be adjusting to new roles created by shifting priorities.
Those changes—in addition to feelings of sadness, confusion, fear and anger that are common during a crisis—can cause stress and even lead to burnout at work.
“Everyone feels stress,” says Dr. Frank Drummond, national medical director of behavioral health services at HCA Healthcare, “but burnout is the result of *unrelenting* stress. People experiencing burnout may feel mentally exhausted, disconnected, unproductive, inefficient at tasks—and simply may not care about their work anymore.”
## When work is home
At first, the idea of working from home might seem like the perfect antidote to work stress—no fighting traffic during morning and evening commutes, no agonizing over what to wear. But it can actually cause a different kind of stress. When working from home, the lines between your personal and professional lives can blur, making it difficult to keep them separate. And when access to work is available 24/7—through emails and texts—the feeling can be compounded.
To help, consider these tips from the HCA Healthcare Leadership Institute’s “Navigating the New World of Work” toolkit:
- **Establish a routine.** Set a schedule with consistent start and end times for your workday. Get up each morning and get dressed; it will help you feel more confident and set your intentions for the day. And remember to take breaks throughout the day to recharge.
- **Set clear boundaries.** Communicate with your family about your routine and when and how it’s okay to interrupt you, if needed. And try to quit at quitting time. Many who work from home find it difficult to unplug at the end of the day, but sticking to your schedule can help you avoid burnout.
- **Know yourself.** Structure your workday to maximize efficiency and tailor your schedule to your body’s natural rhythms. Know what will distract you from your priorities and create a plan to minimize those distractions.
**Teresa Lawson**, AVP of IT service management for HCA Healthcare, says she’s incorporated many of these practices into her new situation: working from home *and* taking on a new position.
“COVID-19 created a recipe for a busy work life: learning new areas of responsibility, getting to know new staff and managers, working from home and adjusting to my first pandemic.”
Lawson says she’s avoided burnout by being “intentional” about her daily actions.
“I make it my intention to start and end my day on time and take my lunch break,” she says. “I also created a dedicated home workspace to help me mentally switch between work and home modes.”
## At the “office”
The stress of working in hospitals and other healthcare settings during the COVID-19 crisis can be overwhelming, too. Healthcare workers can develop compassion fatigue, or stress caused by exposure to trauma. That’s when it becomes even more critical to take care of yourself.
“It’s easy to play up the importance of self-care to our patients while downplaying it for ourselves,” says Amy Rushton, DNP, APRN-BC, vice president of behavioral health at HCA Healthcare. “Resist the urge. Try and eat right, exercise and sleep. Develop a new hobby, learn a new skill, FaceTime with friends and stay connected.”
**Sydney Hester, MD**, an infectious disease physician at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, says she finds wellness and restoration in relationships.
“Time alone reading my Bible and praying keep me grounded, while conversations and playtime with my husband and daughter are fuel to my soul,” she says. “Support from the amazing team at TriStar Centennial gave me the team dynamic to manage the increased workload. But my special place of restoration and health is at the barn, riding my horse, Hughey.”
For **Diana Gayle, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, LSSYB**, a cardiovascular coordinator at HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball, the coronavirus pandemic meant adjusting to a whole new job description—as the “PPE czar.” Gayle says HCA Healthcare’s mission keeps her positive.
> "I believe in our mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. I keep that in my mind and in my heart." - Diana Gayle, cardiovascular coordinator, HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball
**Taylor Hoover, RN**, says she never imagined that her first year as an ICU nurse at Reston Hospital Center would come in the midst of a pandemic.
“As cliché as it may sound, it has taught me to appreciate the little things. Little things like surprising my patient with a visit from her daughter, where she could see her and talk on the phone through the glass doors,” says Hoover. “Seeing the smile on her face reminded me exactly why I am an ICU nurse. These little things rejuvenate me mentally, physically and emotionally to keep smiling and keep fighting each day.”
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Topics: [Healthcare](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/healthcare), [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety)
## [COVID-19 Back to School Tips](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/covid-19-back-to-school-tips)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Aug 10, 2020, 3:18:56 PM
Across the country, school districts are announcing reopening plans for the 2020-2021 school year. Last month, the [American Academy ofPediatrics](https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx) (AAP)
[released advice](https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/), with a number of caveats that advocated “all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.” At the local-level, public health leaders and school officials are considering reopening alongside a myriad of factors – including local COVID-19 spread – before determining *how* and *when* students will return to school.
Schools are being asked to be flexible and responsive to new information about the virus. For some families, this may mean remote learning. For others, children may have the option to return to school in-person. Now is the time to prepare for what that may look like.
The [Centers for Disease Control](https://www.cdc.gov/) (CDC) has released [guidance for schools](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html) to open during COVID-19, which advises schools to “ensure adequate supplies are available to support healthy hygiene practices, and to routinely clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.” In order to support these efforts, the CDC [recommends parents reinforce good prevention habits](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/checklist.html), including washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
The CDC endorses [face coverings](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html) as an important COVID-19 mitigation strategy, and some schools have opted to include masks in their back-to-school safety plan. While getting kids to wear masks can be tricky, Laura-Anne Cleveland, associate chief nursing officer at HCA Healthcare’s [Rocky Mountain Hospital](https://rockymountainhospitalforchildren.com/) for Children offers the following tips to help:
**Practice is key**
The best advice we can give is to start practicing. Don’t expect things to be perfect at first, but know that the more they wear masks, the more comfortable they will start to feel in it. By practicing at home, you give them a safe space to take it off for a break as needed.
**Build mask endurance**
As with any new habit, we recommend starting small. By starting in increments, you can see how they are tolerating it and build up accordingly. It is also particularly important to practice early if you have a child with sensory issues. Try to find a comfortable mask and reward them for the time they wear it by doing fun things while they have it on.
**Make it fun**
In addition to doing entertaining activities while wearing a mask, you can also make the mask itself fun by having your child decorate it to make it their own. If it’s a paper mask, they can use stickers. If it’s fabric, they can use fabric paint on the outside. Find fabrics that reflect their personality, like their favorite sports team or superhero. You can even attach wings to them if you want to be an angel or something similar. The masks should be something children enjoy wearing.
**Explain the ‘why’**
Talk to them about germs and how the mask can prevent them from spreading viruses. Older kids may have reservations because they think it is not cool or they are afraid it will contribute to acne, so it’s important to discuss the why behind wearing a mask so they are armed with information if they experience peer pressure to stop wearing it. The CDC has some great tips on how you can [discuss COVID-19 with your kids](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html), including remaining calm and reassuring.
**Discuss breaks**
It’s important for parents to have a discussion with children to make sure they understand that if they need to take the mask off for a breather at school, to make sure they are away from people.
**6 questions to ask before returning to school**
As plans begin to take shape for schools to reopen, here are some key questions to ask in order to prepare yourself and your children for some of the changes they may see:
- Will masks be required for students? If so, when and where should they be worn?
- Am I required to provide a mask for my child or will masks be provided? If I am required to provide a mask, will extras be on-hand if my child forgets or loses their mask?
- What transportation-related changes should I be aware of? (E.g. pick-up/drop-off protocol, changes to bus routes/times/protocol, etc.)?
- Will physical distancing be set up within classrooms? What other guidelines on distancing will be adopted that my child should be aware of?
- Will extracurricular activities resume? If so, what precautions or protocols should I be aware of?
- Will students or staff at our school be screened for symptoms of COVID-19, and what will happen if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
**Supporting mental health during the school year**
As kids return to school, it’s important to keep an eye out for stress and anxiety in your child that could be a result of these changes. This can take shape in many different ways, including an increase in physical symptoms, changes in sleep patterns, continually seeking reassurance despite already receiving an answer and acting out.
It is important that adults manage their own emotions regarding the pandemic and remain calm, listen to their children’s concerns, speak kindly and reassure them. In order to help support your child’s mental health about the changes at school as a result of COVID-19, parents should:
- Encourage conversation about the new protocols and safety rules
- Practice the new safety rules before starting school
- Acknowledge and validate the child’s feelings if they are scared or anxious
- Reassure the child that a lot of adults are working hard to keep everyone safe
If your child’s behaviors persist despite the above interventions, consider contacting a counselor such as an advanced practice nurse, a social worker, a licensed practical counselor or a psychiatrist for further evaluation.
1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/covid-19-back-to-school-tips#comments-listing)
Topics: [Healthcare](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/healthcare), [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety)
## [1.8 Million Jobs Returned in July; Job Growth Pace Slows](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/1.8-million-jobs-returned-in-july-job-growth-pace-slows)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Aug 7, 2020, 3:19:51 PM
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) July 2020 Hiring Situation revealed that 1.8 million jobs were gained during the month of July, a pace that is slowing since explosive job gains in the months of May and June . Unemployment edged down from 11.1% to 10.2%. These improvements in the labor market reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it. The economy has regained only 9.3 million of 22 million jobs lost between February and April.
The healthcare sector added 125,500 jobs, with hospitals accounting for 27,400 jobs and ambulatory care settings adding 126,200. Gains within healthcare were once again tempered due to continued losses in nursing care facilities. Healthcare unemployment dipped, with the overall industry rate dropping from 7.2% to 6.6% and the unemployment rate within hospitals edging down to 3.1% from 4.5%. Employment in healthcare is down by 797,000 since February.
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Topics: [Healthcare](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/healthcare), [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety)
## [Partnering Today For a Healthier Tomorrow](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/partnering-today-for-a-healthier-tomorrow)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Aug 7, 2020, 1:16:47 PM
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--([BUSINESS WIRE](https://www.businesswire.com/))--HCA Healthcare East Florida Division (NYSE:HCA), today announced that it has received a donation of 2,800 face shields from Bombardier Aviation, a global leader in the design, manufacturing and entry into service of cutting edge business jets. The shields were delivered to Fort Lauderdale International Airport aboard a Global 7500 aircraft and were transported to HCA’s Supply Chain distribution center. The materials will then be distributed to HCA’s 15-affiliated facilities across East Florida.
“We were honored that Bombardier reached out to us to make such a generous donation to help continue to supply our frontline workers during this pandemic,” said Fred Wilson, CEO of HCA Healthcare East Florida Division Supply Chain Services. “We are proud to partner with organizations that share in our commitment to corporate social responsibility and want to make a difference fighting COVID-19 in our communities”.
“The Bombardier Aviation team and I feel extremely privileged to be able to be part of this very important donation and delivery to Florida. These types of missions really highlight how pivotal aviation is in the transportation of life-saving humanitarian aid. The Global 7500 aircraft is particularly well-suited to this type of assignment: with its long-range and ability to land and take-off from challenging airports, it can go anywhere. Thank you to the pilots, crew and employees who made this trip possible”, said David Coleal, President of Bombardier Aviation.
David Yeaman, President of Molded Precision Components (MPC), fabricator of auto parts and medical components agrees, “when we saw the need for PPE for North Americans we joined forces with David Van Slingerland of Sterling Industries, a medical device manufacturer, and pivoted our businesses to make high quality face shields in large quantities (450,000 per day) in under 90 days. We are truly honored that Bombardier reached out to us and gave us the opportunity to help frontline workers not only in Canada but in the U.S. as well.”
Reusable and recyclable, the Shield-U face shields meet both U.S. and Canadian requirements for emergency healthcare equipment.
**About HCA Healthcare**
Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, comprising 184 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 21 states and the United Kingdom. With its founding in 1968, HCA Healthcare created a new model for hospital care in the United States, using combined resources to strengthen hospitals, deliver patient-focused care and improve the practice of medicine. HCA Healthcare has conducted a number of clinical studies, including one that demonstrated that full-term delivery is healthier than early elective delivery of babies and another that identified a clinical protocol that can reduce bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44 percent. HCA Healthcare is a learning health system that uses its more than 31 million annual patient encounters to advance science, improve patient care and save lives. Please [click here](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.connectwithhca.com%2F&esheet=52127517&newsitemid=20191112005615&lan=en-US&anchor=click+here&index=1&md5=3bcc791a74b62aa9c10aa6789bb78bca) to connect with HCA Healthcare on social media.
**All references to “Company,” “HCA” and “HCA Healthcare” as used throughout this document refer to HCA Healthcare, Inc. and its affiliates.**
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Topics: [Healthcare](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/healthcare), [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety)
## [Young Texas Woman Home After Nearly Three Months in the Hospital Battling COVID-19](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/young-texas-woman-home-after-nearly-three-months-in-the-hospital-battling-covid-19)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Jul 27, 2020, 10:00:00 AM
Paola Castillo spent more than a month in the ICU and on a ventilator at Medical City North Hills, an HCA Healthcare-affiliated facility located in Texas. Nurses, therapists and other staff worked around the clock to provide compassionate care and meaningful connections to the 24 year old patient to keep her motivated and positive during rehabilitation. Castillo, who was released from the hospital after 79 days, regrets not wearing a mask during the pandemic and is thankful to be alive.
See her full story in [People Magazine](https://s2.bl-1.com/h/cV0JoHxB?url=https://people.com/human-interest/24-year-old-woman-beats-coronavirus-wishes-she-wore-a-mask/)
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Topics: [Healthcare](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/healthcare), [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety)
## [Mother Who Nearly Died Due to COVID-19 Finally Meets Newborn Son](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/mother-who-nearly-died-due-to-covid-19-finally-meets-newborn-son)
Posted by [HealthTrust Workforce Solutions](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/author/healthtrust-workforce-solutions) on Jul 23, 2020, 1:29:01 PM
While on a ventilator due to the effects of COVID-19, Jessica Rowlett gave birth to her second child, a son named Rowdy, on May 31 in an emergency
C-section at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. Rowdy was born premature, but healthy. Over the course of several weeks,
Jessica moved out of the ICU and was eventually discharged from the hospital on June 26, the
same day as her son. Although the road to recovery will be long for Rowlett due to decreased lung capacity, she is optimistic that her recovery will go smoothly and is thankful to be home with her family.
Watch the amazing story on [Good Morning America](https://s2.bl-1.com/h/cV0Jo686?url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/story/mom-died-due-covid-19-meets-newborn-son-71771513)
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Topics: [Healthcare](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/healthcare), [Coronavirus](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/coronavirus), [Health & Safety](https://clinical.healthtrustjobs.com/topic/health-safety)
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