Nearly three years ago, then-SJC Long Island student Danielle Monteverde confidently addressed a crowd gathered in O’Connor Hall for the dedication of SJC Long Island’s new nursing lab, telling all why she chose to study nursing.
“The first moment a person decides on a career in nursing, they are committing to a profession of helping others,” Monteverde said in a hallway lined with local leaders and St. Joseph’s administrators, faculty, staff and students.
Now, just 10 months after earning her nursing degree, she is a hospital nurse, fighting a pandemic and wishing every day that she had more control of her patients’ outcomes — that there were more ways she could help.
“Never did I think I would work through a pandemic like this, especially as a new nurse,” said Monteverde, 22, who works at Northwell’s Mather Hospital, which has seen a significant influx of coronavirus patients. “It is heartbreaking to see these patients in these conditions. Knowing you are doing everything possible for these people, but still being unsure of the outcome is the hardest part of all this.”
Monteverde of Holbrook had spent her first months on the job working in a step down/telemetry unit. Her 12.5-hour shifts are now spent in an ICU unit, looking after critical care COVID-19 patients.
“These patients are extremely ill,” said the Sachem East High School graduate. “Most of them have to be intubated and placed on ventilators to help them breathe, and they are usually on a lot of medication.
Mather Hospital registered nurse Danielle Monteverde.
“This has been a scary change seeing as how we have only had a few months of training in the ICU, but I must say my unit has been absolutely amazing during these times and we are handling every situation the best we can,” Monteverde added. “Every single nurse has risen to the challenge in front of them, and we are learning more every single shift.”
To help deal with the increase in stress at work, Monteverde makes sure to fully relax on her days off.
“I try and work out or meditate during the day and make sure I’m getting enough sleep and eating properly,” she said. “I even talk about the things we go through with co-workers, which helps because you know you aren’t alone.”
Keeping relaxed during her time away from the hospital is a challenge. Monteverde worries about the possibility of bringing home the coronavirus to her family and it’s been weeks since she has seen her boyfriend and his family, as well as her closest friends.
“It has been nerve racking not knowing if I am bringing any of this home to my family,” she said. “My mom and dad are both in essential jobs that require them to still go into work everyday, so we are all fighting this together.
“I wear the proper protective gear needed and wash my hands frequently, but there is just so much unknown. I have only seen my immediate family who I live with,” Monteverde added. “It is so hard not to see loved ones during this time, but I make sure to call or FaceTime whenever I can to help me get through.”
This story is part of OnCampus’ “Answering the Call” series, focusing on St. Joseph’s College students and alumni working outside their homes in essential jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.
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2 comments
Danielle we are all so proud of you and you colleagues for what you are facing in your 1st year of nursing. You are such a devoted young lady. Thank you for all you do.
Stay save. God Bless you and all at Mather Hospital.
We love you Aunt Sally and Uncle Gerry
Thank you OnCampus for this article and this whole series on “Answering the Call.” So proud of you Danielle and all our nursing grads who are on the front lines of this battle and who are giving new meaning to the word “duty” by what you are doing!
Stay safe! Stay strong!