Monalisa

I am a 51 year old nurse with asthma, and work in a LTC/short term rehab facility. I tested positive for Covid 19. I am still alive and mostly well. I had one really bad day of extreme head, chest and back pain, fever, chills, with nausea and vomiting. After that, I had fatigue, fever and anosmia. The anosmia disappeared by day 10. I am still experiencing mild fever and fatigue going into day 22, but I am recovering and feel better then I did 3 weeks ago. I also re-tested negative even with continued mild fever. From what I am reading, people with mild symptoms (not hospitalized) may have lingering symptoms. In my state, 95% of all positive patients have recovered. Of course, there are also people who have been hospitalized and/or vented and do not make it out alive. It's important to remember that people do recover from this virus even with underlying medical conditions. I'm so truly sorry for what you have seen and experienced. Please realize there are patients you haven't seen who are recovering at home and are expected to make a full recovery. I am living proof. Stay safe.

It is your responsibility to not go into work sick...period. It is your employers responsibility to provide coverage for you and keep patients safe especially in the middle of a pandemic and while your awaiting results of Covid 19 test. Honestly, my blood boils when reading or hearing..employer got an "attitude" when calling out sick. I was an aide for several years before becoming a nurse. If the scheduler thinks that she can intimidate you into just working she/he will do it and why?? Because they don't want to make their job more difficult by having to look further for coverage. The only thing you need to do right now is wait for your test results. You are doing the right and responsible thing by not going into work sick. Good for you for knowing the symptoms and getting tested immediately. These are the actions of a responsible and astute health care worker. Don't ever be afraid of losing your job over doing the right thing. Your employer is being irresponsible, and truthfully why would you want to work for a company that doesn't value the health and safety of their staff and/or patients? And, not to have the basic PPE such as gloves?? There has to be better options out there for you. Stay strong. if possible, keep us posted on your test results.