![Nurses wearing masks](imgs/TL_Tab1_HelpingHandes_MV.jpg)
- Ana Aboytes, RN
- Jina Canson, RN
- Linda Copeland, RN
- Megan Dunn, RN
- Irma Mariano, RN
- Catherine Morano, RN
- Connie Musallam, RN
- Joash Santos, RN
- Justin Stewart, RN
Helping Hands
One of the many impacts of COVID-19 was the necessary interruption in elective surgeries and procedures, and the temporary closure of some departments such as the Cardiac & Pulmonary Wellness Center. Hospitals throughout the nation experienced a significant decrease in revenue because of such business interruptions, and many, including some in the Bay Area, furloughed and even laid off nursing staff.
El Camino Health leadership did not lay off nursing staff and, under the direction of Chief Nurse Executive Cheryl Reinking, created alternative roles for nurses in the departments that were closed or had significantly reduced numbers of procedures. The Helping Hands program was created in the early days of the pandemic and continues into 2021. This program allows nurses and other personnel to work shifts outside of their home department, assisting with patient care, serving as runners, helping conduct COVID-19 testing and other tasks as needed. This program is managed through the Staffing Office, and approximately six staff per day shift and two per evening / night shift work as helping hands each day.