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The heart of our story begins with a Gift, right as the coronavirus was sweeping the world from China to the United States! Pallets of the SOFTSEAL Mask were donated by the LOWE’S Corporation to our hospital: Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, NE. Truly, the economic principles of supply and demand were etching into our inventory levels, causing a legitimate concern that our supply of masks would be exhausted as we were learning of shortages. This Gift expanded our ability to offer an alternative mask to healthcare workers whom had failed a respirator fit test, now requiring, a PAPR assembly to safeguard their health from this invisible microbe. I’m happy to report we’ve successfully fit tested more than 63% of our PAPR users with the NIOSH approved N95 SOFTSEAL Respirator +! Our employees are happy, commenting; they like the feel and secure fit with the silicone seal, and, ability to adjust the straps. In addition, employees successfully fit-tested with our other mask have requested to be fitted with the SOFTSEAL because their colleagues have been talking up the comfort and secure fit! During fit testing sessions, especially with the pool of staff needing an alternative mask, I light-heartedly teased that I was on a first name basis with the main SoftSeal representative. Within the paradigm of this COVID-19 pandemic, their customer service has been excellent and expedient amid all that is happening. They responded to my questions regarding mask composition as we researched possible opportunities to extend the life of the respirator, AND, provided additional instruction regarding the fit testing procedure. We have much to be thankful for: the gifting of the masks and quality, personable service. Such provisions have enabled our healthcare workers, namely: Our Medical Team to provide care for our patients during the wake of this pandemic heeding their oath to “First Do No Harm,” the Nursing Staff for providing compassionate care, protecting the rights of our patients as outlined in our Nursing Code, and, to our countless Unsung Heroes. Sincerely, Teresa Wall, BSN, RN, CNOR; Employee Health |
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