DaChaunda Pete

About

APRN, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Family & Children’s Services
CrisisCare Center
Tulsa, OK

Her Story

What’s your perception of the overall mood of your team?
Our team has really come together during this time to support each and maintain a work environment that is optimistic and encouraging. Although there are serious concerns and uncertainties, we make strong efforts to promote a positive atmosphere.

What are you doing to stay safe? What is the protocol and how is it different from more normal conditions?
We are definitely more conscientious of how critical it is to take measures to protect our clients and ourselves. Fortunately, we have the supplies we need for safety and sanitation. The use of PPE such as masks, gowns, and eyewear in regular day to day activities is a significant departure from routine care practices for “normal” conditions.

When this started and through the process how did it shape your reality? How are you handling the reality that you are seeing families have to endure?
This has shaped my reality in a way that underscores our vulnerabilities and how connected we all are. The effects of social isolation, economic burdens, and hardships are real issues that are impacting the mental health of individuals and families. Being empathetic while also offering tangible resources and solutions helps with handling these realities.

What are the biggest challenges?
The uncertainties of how what is currently happening will shape each day and the changes that are rapidly coming about daily are big challenges. It is also difficult not knowing how long this crisis will last and what it will mean for how we move forward. Helping others navigate through fear, frustrations, and distress during this time is also challenging.

What’s the day like – what things are you seeing on a daily basis?
This crisis impacts all of us one way or another. Daily I see vigilance among all of our team members with trying to maintain safety without compromising the high standard of care we attempt to provide. I am also seeing first-hand how this crisis is affecting our clients. They voice their concerns and fears, about how what is currently happening impacts them, and their hopes about when and how we will get beyond this.

Your team’s mental health – how is it impacting everyone? What do you do for self-care – how are you taking care of yourself/ your mental, physical and spiritual?
Our team is resilient. Daily we work hard to keep each other inspired and uplifted. Fortunately, we live in an era where technology and ingenuity allow many of us to stay connected to our friends and families. For self-care I try to make it a priority to regularly engage in activities that promote well-being such as prayer and meditation on God’s words, adequate rest, and proper nutrition. Leisure activities like reading and playing games also help lift the heaviness of what is happening around us right now.

What is (are) the biggest challenge(s) that you do face now but not under “normal” conditions?
It has to be the social distancing. Not being able to offer a hug, a handshake, or even a pat on the back is difficult. These small gestures – that are often taken for granted – have the potential to offer reassurance, solidify trust, and generate encouragement.

From your point of view how have you personally been impacted? Personally, I’ve been impacted in a way that has helped me to be more grateful and appreciative of others. Many folks are without a steady food supply, employment, stable housing, or any sort of social support system. I am also moved by the dedication of our team and the other front-line personnel across the city, state, and country who are committed to continuing to provide vital services even with great risk and sacrifice.

What are you learning from this experience that may change the way you respond or plan and prepare in the future?
Although this crisis is challenging, I think it has been a critical learning experience. Moving forward it is important to remain vigilant, be readily adaptable, and solution driven.