COVID-19 has required daily screening before a shift for all Duke Health team members. While working as a COVID screener at Duke University Hospital (DUH) one evening, Gwen Dupree, NA II, health unit coordinator with the pediatric blood and marrow transplant unit, decided to take the extra dot shaped stickers that team members get once they have passed all screening requirements, and transform them into art.
“During a lull while working the night shift in late March, a few of us started rearranging the dots and making them into pictures on the screening table,” said Dupree. “It was just simple things like flowers and hearts, but people seemed to really like it. It started their shift on a positive note.”
After the pleasant reactions, Dupree continued making pictures with the stickers whenever she worked as a screener at DUH and Duke Raleigh Hospital. Pictures of happy faces and flowers were soon accompanied by positive messages like “you rock” or “thank you.”
Faith Catlin, patient service associate at Duke Raleigh Hospital, said the messages gave visitors something to smile over and made team members feel supported.
“It’s incredibly important for Duke as a whole and within our units to support each other every day, especially during a global pandemic,” said Catlin. “You can’t pour from an empty pitcher.”
While Dupree considers her art to be just a small gesture, she agreed that all team members need to feel encouraged and appreciated during this time.
“We have to protect our patients, visitors and each other during this pandemic,” said Dupree. “We want to make sure everyone is safe, but we also need to encourage each other and maintain a positive atmosphere.”
“I encourage all of us to follow in her footsteps,” said Catlin. “It’s amazing what she did with a little creativity. I don’t know if she realizes the impact it has on staff. Small gestures can make more of an impact than you’d think.”
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