Northern Nevada Medical Center says its rooms on Friday were all filled for the night, but they have taken steps to prepare for the surge.
"We're tired. The nurses are tired, but hey know they go into this industry to help and care for people," said Northern Nevada Medical Center Director of Emergency Services Shelby Hunt. The pandemic is taking its toll on the medical staff at NNMC.
Each day is different, but the hospital is bordering on reaching capacity day to day. "The pandemic like a bad flu season, on steroids," said Hunt.
The hospital says it's doing what it can to help with staffing levels. "We reached out to other medical service fields and Nevada Battle Born Corps for personnel. We also are using traveling nurses and we have nurses working extra shifts," said Hunt.
A plan is in place to deal with the recent COVID surge. A small outside tent is ready for an overflow of patients who may be suffering minor symptoms. "We kept the tent up because we were expecting a surge to happen," said Hunt.
Many others with minor symptoms are being treated as outpatients, told to go home, and isolate. "Very few of those with minor symptoms are being admitted," said Hunt.
Inside the hospital, space is being taken in less used departments to house patients who need critical care. Those who have COVID will remain isolated. "We put up adjustable barrier walls. The walls can move, if I've got patients that need admitting," said Hunt.
Northern Nevada Medical Center says COVID has not affected construction of their new hospital which also has adjustable walls that can be used for expansion during an influx of patients.
