By Maria Raj
To my fellow colleagues, life as a medical device reprocessing technician is tough.
COVID-19
Let’s talk about COVID-19, remember the lockdown, lack of PPE, wearing face masks for how many hours, washing and cleaning of soiled instruments used for COVID patients, mandatory vaccinations, adjusting our normal lives to live the COVID way?
Emotional Struggle
It was stressful and depressing coming to work, but we needed to work. Many of us have lost our loved ones, and it’s not easy to pick up the pieces and be normal again. Things are gradually easing up with these COVID restrictions, but that means more work!
Personal Achievement
Many times, we have been ignored and not appreciated, but despite everything, I can say that we are proud of the care and passion that we provide to our patients. We realize that they have families who care deeply for them. It doesn’t matter if we are neglected; what matters is the unselfish work that we do and, in the process, making a big difference on someone’s life.
Growing Challenges
Considering the limited resources and difficulty of our work, we experienced and continue to encounter the following, such as: staff shortages, being underpaid, lack of recognition, including lack of education and training.
Continuing and Future Support
MDRAO is by your side to support, educate and motivate you all. Raise your head up high and be proud of what we do.
I want to salute you all and give a tap on your shoulders for your resilience, dedication, and untiring passion in everything that you do.
On behalf of the MDRAO board, we very much appreciate each and everyone!
Maria Raj (ETA Chapter Representative, Director for Communication, VP ETA Chapter)
Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario
http://www.csao.net/