St. E’s Wharry: ‘Stay Safe, Stay Strong’

Brian Wharry, director of nursing at Mercy Health Youngstown, is hanging tough, along with his family. You can read more about Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Hospital at its website.  

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has changed your work life?

The foundation of what we do best has stayed intact and that is care for our patients. The way in which we have had to do that over the last few months is what has changed the most. Although we were well prepared and ready for a crisis, the COVID-19 crisis has pushed us to come up with alternate solutions to everyday practice and to remain agile, as well as change as different guidelines are provided. What may have been a top priority six months back may no longer be as high up on the priority list, as this crisis has changed those priorities. As we look to the future, there are so many ways we’ve changed our typical workflow to keep everyone safe, yet we’re disseminating information that we can hold onto moving forward. I’ve learned a lot over the last several months because of these new experiences, and I find resilience in the workplace is a big key.

How about your personal life?

This is another area we have had to adapt. In my family, we are not “homebodies.” We like to run to the store, movies and head to a sit-down restaurant. In a good way, we’ve been able to really spend a lot of time as a family and enjoy each other. The crisis has kept many of us busy at work, but I’ve made sure to still come home and enjoy time with my family. I also live in the community of Lowellville, where we do not just embrace with a handshake, but usually a hug. It has definitely been different seeing others at our hometown store (Ross’s) and refraining from our typical day-to-day behaviors. My wife and I are fortunate that our 6-year-old daughter, Mila, keeps every day interesting.  whether we are stuck at home or trying to safely go somewhere.

What steps are you taking to hang tough?

Not losing sight. Although our new normal will deviate from the normal of the past, this is not a lifelong crisis and things someday will resume as they once were. I remain close with my family and Zoom with friends. We’ve had to come up with some new, unique solutions to keep our friends and families close, but they have worked. Maintaining that work-life balance has been crucial. In the matter of weeks, we’ve had to become our own fitness instructors, teachers and chefs, which we are certainly not great at yet.  

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

We need to get back to our lives once restrictions are lifted, but do so safely. It is scary, especially when there are unknowns, but by taking care of yourself, practicing social distancing, handwashing and wearing a mask, you will contribute to the safety and well-being of not only yourself, but others. The key message is to “STAY STRONG,” there is a light at the end of the tunnel.