May 8, 2020

We asked our faculty, students, staff and alumni what they are doing to help during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they recharge after long or challenging days.

These are some of their stories.

My family is committed to grocery shopping for vulnerable people and folks who have small children and can't leave the house. I have also been volunteering with Philly Mutual Aid to participate in communal support efforts in my community.

To Recharge, I read and jump on the trampoline with my kids.

Sharrona Pearl, PhD, Associate Professor, Health Administration

I work in a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as a bedside RN taking care of micro premature infants. We have had a few premature infants born to COVID+ mothers that are critically ill in the ICU.

Thankfully, so far, we have had no babies who are COVID +. We are taking care of these babies during a dark time for many families—it's truly an honor.

To recharge, I do Yoga and walking the trails by my house—you have to start fresh each day!

Katherine Geise, BSN '13, MSN '21

I am currently in the MSN-FNP track and a step-down float nurse right in the epicenter at New York Presbyterian-Columbia. In the beginning of March, I floated to COVID-19 units and quickly became infected on March 19. I am blessed to have made a quick and full recovery!

Although I was scared and nervous , on April 3, I eagerly returned to the frontlines in saving lives! It has been an emotionally hard task to take care of COVID patients. However, whenever I discharge a COVID patient it makes it all worth it. My hospital plays “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas every time a patient is extubated or discharged—it's been playing more and more lately!

Nursing has and always will be my calling. Thank you, Drexel, for helping me pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner. Shout out to all the RN’s working on the frontlines and still focusing on their education! CLASS OF 2020, WE GOT THIS!

To recharge after a long day at work, I like to enjoy a nice glass of white wine, meditate or talk to family and friends.

Eileen Sarnes, MSN '20