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 | Community Connections | Fall 2020

Good Shepherd Health Care System | 

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The Year of 

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, hospitals across the country were already 
prepared to fight infectious diseases. What they were not prepared for was 
supply shortages of personal protective equipment and an influx of patients. 
Communities everywhere were quick to dub healthcare workers as heroes.  
Fast forward six months later and the public now speculate that hospitals are  
the culprits for too much testing and padded positive COVID-19 test results; 
thereby shutting down local economies and keeping citizens isolated at home. 

Honoring the 200th anniversary of the 
birth of Florence Nightingale, 2020 
is designated by the World Health 
Organization (WHO) as the International 
Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

 The Nurse

“I feel like this is the new  

normal. Our staff and health 

care system have learned  

so much since this  

pandemic began.” 

–GSHCS Nurse

“The pandemic has really  

tested us all. I love my job,  

but at times I’ve hated coming 

to work. The feeling was 

overwhelming and stressful.” 

–GSHCS Nurse

Cherie, RN, Family Birth Center

No matter what has transpired 
with COVID-19 (and any conspiracy 
theories, too), Good Shepherd’s 
healthcare workers have remained 
steadfast in their dedication to 
serve patients with high quality, 
compassionate care. With the title of 
hero or not, they have continued to do 
what they do and maintain their focus 
– saving lives. 

The pandemic has brought with it 
an opportunity to recognize more 
consciously our essential workers in 
communities, and especially those 
on the frontlines. Good Shepherd 
employees have expressed that 
they wish not to have the spotlight 
on any particular group in the 750+ 
employees that work here (such as 

Emergency Department members (L to R): Chris, PA, Judi, RN, Amanda, Scribe, Laurie, RN, Dr. Stewart Swena,  

Megan, CNA, Amber, RN, Nicole, RN, Rebekah, CNA

Surgery Department RNs (L to R): Kathy, Trampas, Julie