ASSESSMENT centre nurse Keisha Bartlett has given up cuddles and war games with her sons and created a bubble of one while she works on the health frontline.
Her story of sacrifice matches that of many health workers around the district as they respond to the country’s COVID-19 emergency.
Keisha, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Porou, Tuhoe, is working at the city respiratory assessment centre at the War Memorial Theatre.
Already highly trained in infection control measures as a theatre nurse Keisha’s new frontline job required further training so she and her colleagues could keep patients and themselves safe at the centre.
“Keisha works rotating seven day shifts alongside 12 other nurses and 13 doctors seeing patients with respiratory illness referred by their GP.”
The nurses have a number of roles. They collect people from their vehicles and help them put on a mask. They escort them across the road to the theatre and gather information from them once inside. The person is assessed by the doctor and the nurses help with further assessments and tests if needed.
Keisha says many visitors, some of whom are unwell, feel anxious and she seeks to reassure them they are in good hands.
Outside of normal work, Keisha is bringing up her energetic boys aged six and four with the help of extended whanau.
“I discussed with my parents the need to isolate myself if I was working at the centre and what that would mean,” says the 33-year-old. “I didn’t want my parents to get sick and so I have left my boys there and created a bubble of one.”
Keisha doesn’t shy away from talking about the emotional layer her situation adds to an already charged environment. When she gets home she pores over videos of what her children have done each day. This week her boys have built forts with their koro and made jelly with their nan.
“Yes I feel disconnected and yes I miss them but they know mum is helping sick people and my family is supportive of what I do.”
Keisha’s parents Tina and Phil Karaitiana are enormously proud of their daughter and support her decision to create a bubble of one while she works.
“I admire her and the sacrifice she has made,” says Mrs Karaitiana. “With her background and her skills, she along with all the other nurses, are so valuable for our community during this time.”
“I think my girl has found her calling.”
Until changes in how New Zealanders live and work are announced Keisha is resigned to the temporary new life she’s living. She’s missing nerf gun wars with her six-year-old and watching ships at Eastland Port with her youngest.
“I do get upset but I’ve got good friends and family support. All that other good stuff will just have to wait.”
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War Memorial Assessment Centre nurse Keisha Bartlett