NOVA Nurse Karen Flaherty started her federal service career in 1988 as a postal carrier and worked there for 19 years. After her children were grown, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. At age 42, Karen began nursing school and in 2006, obtained a nursing degree from Quincy College in Massachusetts. Wanting to continue her federal career, she attended a job fair where she met NOVA President Kelly Skinner and Nurse Recruiter, Regina Bauzys. “I just happened to be at the right place at the right time,” Karen said.

Karen’s father was a Veteran so caring for those who have sacrificed for their country has a special place in her heart. As a new graduate, she started working at the VA on the Spinal Cord Injury Unit. Karen knew that this was a great opportunity to give back to the Veterans and enhance her nursing skills. After working on the acute spinal cord injury unit for 6 years, she transitioned to Endoscopy where she specializes in motility procedures. To help diagnose gastrointestinal orders, Karen places probes in a patient’s nasopharyngeal area - a highly-specialized skill that requires knowledge of anatomy and techniques to place the probe with precision, accuracy and minimal discomfort to the patient. She has been in this role for the past eight years.

Joanne Hill, BSN, RN, MM, CGRN

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in March 2020, Karen accepted her nurse manager’s suggestion to be one of the first COVID-19 testers for VA Boston. Her nurse manager, Joanne Hill, who is also a NOVA member, believed that due to Karen’s highly-specialized skill set, she could teach other testers on how to conduct nasopharyngeal tests (nasal swabs) the proper way. “I really did not fear for my safety. In the back of my mind, I knew that there was always a risk of exposure but we have the appropriate personal protective equipment,” Karen said. “I am confident that VA Boston will not put me in a situation where my safety will be compromised. I know that the virus is highly contagious and deadly but if we do things right then there should be no fear. I was concerned but I was not fearful.” As of today, Karen has been free from COVID-19 infections.

The VA’s fourth mission is to provide service to Veterans in times of national emergencies and disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The VA Boston Healthcare System assisted by providing care to Veterans and civilians in the community, therefore, Karen participated in numerous off-site COVID-19 testing. “If the Veterans cannot come to the VA to get tested then we go to the Veterans to deliver this service,” she said.  Along with her team, Karen swabbed Veterans at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home, just outside of Boston, as well as at other Veteran nursing homes in Eastern Massachusetts.

 

 

“The most meaningful moment of this experience was when we visited Chelsea Soldiers’ Home,” Karen said. “This was our most vulnerable Veteran population. Due to their age and multiple comorbidities, they would have the worst outcomes if they got infected. They were too weak to go out to get tested. We went to all the Veterans' rooms and got them tested so they could get the appropriate care as soon as possible if they came back positive for COVID-19. It was sad and joyful at the same time. Although the Veterans were vulnerable, we gave them a sense of control by bringing the tests to them. This was a way that we could serve them at the height of this pandemic. It shows our commitment to serve those who have served.”

“People are very anxious and fearful if they get COVID-19. It affects everyone on many levels -- it can affect your livelihood, personal safety and those of their loved ones. It is very satisfying when Veterans and employees come to me and thank me.” Karen said. “They are happy that they are negative so they could go on with their lives. They also thank me when they come back positive so they can quarantine immediately and have a plan in place if their symptoms got worse. Knowledge is power -- knowing if you are COVID-19 positive or negative gives you some sense of control even if we currently do not have any cure or vaccine for COVID-19.”

When Karen was asked to describe her worst experience, she shared that, “Back in March, we had days when it was very cold. With the low wind chill factor, we were out in the tent freezing. Sometimes, it would rain and our shoes got wet,” Karen said. “We are nurses so we improvised “MacGyver-style” and taped the tent in order to continue to conduct the tests despite the freezing temperatures and rain. I am grateful for being a mail carrier. It prepared me to do my job in the COVID-19 testing tent. It taught me to be ready and be very tolerant for whatever the weather may be. Hey, I did it for 19 years and 7 months. Freezing for several hours is no big deal for me.”

In terms of safety, a nurse testing for swabbing must be prepared. “Learn the right way by using evidence-based practice and wear the right PPE. Practice, practice, practice, Karen said. “Explain every step to the patient. Let them know what they will feel and assure them that the discomfort will only last for a few seconds”, Karen said. “Give them emotional support as needed. We need to be cognizant that a lot of our Veterans have PTSD. We need to take it slow, explain every step slowly and allay their fears. Sometimes kind words and a gentle approach to show that you care goes a long way.”

“Good bedside manners matter. As a nurse, show your patients that you care,” Karen said. “Experience is wisdom. What you learned from your past career and what you develop as your professional values will show no matter where you are- as a nurse, a teacher or a mail carrier. “People are resilient,” she adds. “Working at the height of the pandemic as a COVID-19 swabber made me learn a new level of compassion due to the uniqueness and magnitude of the pandemic.”

Karen continues to swab Veterans and VA employees while teaching nurses, medical students and physicians how to conduct a nasal swab test for COVID-19. As of August 6, 2020, Karen has swabbed over 3,000 people but who’s counting?