COVID Detour: Getting Stuck in Quarantine En Route to my Contract

The Rona finally got me...and at the worst possible time; but that’s how she rolls, right? 

I have been a labor and delivery travel nurse for just over three years and just finished an unforgettable contract in Boston, Massachusetts. I was looking forward to my next contract in Austin, Texas and was visiting my family and packing my car in Bend, Oregon. I started driving through California and made it to Arizona when I developed congestion. I took two at home COVID tests (Clear Vue from Walgreens, 2 for $26 if you ever need them) and they were both positive. This obviously threw a wrench into my plans. 
        I let my manager and occupational health from my new facility know about my COVID results, then proceeded to get a PCR test to send to them in order to confirm my diagnosis. Luckily, my sister works for Hilton and I was able to stay in a cheap room for a few days in Phoenix and work on online orientation and modules. I also have several friends in Phoenix who were incredibly supportive, bringing me groceries, supplements, and FaceTiming me to help pass the quarantine time. Even with the hotel discount, this started to get expensive, but I was able to transfer my quarantine to dog and cat sit at my friend’s apartment, which was such a nice change of pace. Shout out to my support team (including the MedVenture fam) far and wide, who sent Door Dash gift cards and offered advice and friendly conversation!
I’m not sure about you all, but I have mentioned to friends and family in the past how a COVID diagnosis would be super difficult in multiple ways...a 10-14 day quarantine away from my loved ones being one of the biggest struggles. Thankfully, I received my Moderna Vaccine in January, so my experience with COVID hasn’t been life threatening. I had the usual congestion, headache, muscle aches, brain fog, fatigue, and loss of taste and smell...all mild to moderate symptoms and nothing ever scary like shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. But the boredom definitely set in after I finished my modules and binge watched two seasons of Outer Banks in two days (oops). 
      I believe most hospitals are doing this, but I will be cleared to initiate my floor orientation at work 10 days after my initial symptoms, as long as I have been asymptomatic for 24 hours. This was definitely an inopportune moment for Miss Rona to get me, but I am grateful that this only pushed back my start date back by technically one week.
In conclusion, here are some tips and tricks for getting through COVID: -If you have known exposure, isolate yourself and get tested 3-5 days after exposure. -If you are in the Phoenix Area, Embry Women’s Health has multiple locations with free PCR testing! -After a positive result, quarantine according to the CDC and your employer’s guidelines. -Monitor your symptoms and call your healthcare provider if you are concerned. -Rest, drink fluids, and take approved and suggested supplements such as B complex, D3, Vitamin C, etc. -Have a visit from a mobile IV infusion clinic to help hydrate you and receive vitamins! -Contact American Red Cross to see your eligibility with donating blood. If you have COVID antibodies, your blood can help a critically ill patient! -Video chat, watch Netflix, and listen to your body. If the boredom sets in, do something gentle like yoga! Don’t overexert yourself during this necessary time of rest!
Stay safe & healthy, friends!

Written by Amy Miller, BSN, RN