

‘Somebody’s Got to Save Us, While We’re Saving Everybody Else’
Feb 18, 2022
Join Andrew Jacobs, a global health reporter for The New York Times, as he delves into the escalating nursing shortage amid the COVID-19 crisis. He shares gripping stories from Pascagoula Hospital, revealing the emotional and physical toll on nurses who are labeled 'forgotten warriors.' The discussion highlights the chaos in emergency rooms, the rise of travel nursing as a stopgap, and the urgent need for systemic support to sustain healthcare workers. Jacobs’ insights bring light to their resilience while navigating overwhelming demands.
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Pascagoula Hospital
- Andrew Jacobs visited Pascagoula Hospital in Mississippi, a small city's main healthcare facility.
- The ER head nurse, Kelly Cumbas, was born there and has worked there since 2004.
Substandard Care
- Nurse Teresa Phillips admitted that being stretched thin affects the quality of care.
- She feels she cannot always do her best for patients due to the nursing shortage.
Unanswered Calls
- Flashing purple lights above patient doors indicated calls for help, often going unanswered.
- This backlog signaled the staff's inability to address patient needs promptly.