As we do our part to create a safe environment for our members, guests, and staff during the time of Covid-19, we find ourselves forever indebted to the front-line healthcare workers who serve the public selflessly.
The Lash Lounge – Cranston has so many inspiring members so we are kicking off our member applause series with the beautiful
Gina Ruscitti, RN!
What is it like working during the pandemic?
It’s hard to put into words what it was like working at Mass General Hospital during COVID. I was deployed to one of the Cardiac ICUs that was converted into a COVID ICU. Our slogan throughout the hospital was “we are in this together,” and we were. Every day we would get an email about our inpatient numbers, how many were in ICU, how many were on the general floors, infected staff members, etc. and every day those numbers would climb. New guidelines for patient care and new protocols for our own protection would also change daily. It seemed what was reported on the news and what I was seeing were two different things. All my patients were on breathing machines as well as multiple medications to sedate them and keep them stable. They were all so fragile and ages ranged from early 30’s to 80’s, it seemed no one was exempt from contracting this virus. I was so relieved when patients improved and moved out to the medical floors, but this wasn’t the case for everyone. One shift I worked SO hard to keep a patient alive and nothing was working. His body was just shutting down. We had to do virtual last rites over the phone. I held his hand, said prayers and did the sign of the crucifix over his body per the priest’s instructions. I held the phone up to his ear so his family members could say their goodbyes and I love you’s. He couldn’t respond, but those were the last words he heard before he passed. This experience was one of the hardest nights of my nursing career, let alone during COVID.
Why do you love your Lash Lounge – Cranston lashes?
I love my lashes for so many reasons. Especially now working as a nurse during the pandemic…my eyes are the only visible part of my face between my mask and scrub cap.
It’s important to me that my face is expressive, warm and comforting to my patients. My lashes draw attention to my eyes, aiding in building an emotional connection.
My lashes allow me to smile with my eyes so much better; as we nurses say “sm’eyes”
What inspires you?
Being part of a team and building camaraderie inspires me. This pandemic has brought the MGH community together in a way I never imagined. The walls of the hospital are covered with cards and posters from patients, children, and families expressing so many wonderful words of encouragement. Lights on nearby hotels and restaurants with MGH shining in the night made me feel so proud! To know people really need you is all I need to be the best nurse I can be. They call us heroes but honestly, we do this every day, COVID or not…
