Adapting quickly can saves lives.
That’s what Amy Klomp, a 23-year-old nurse at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance – St. Marys Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, Ontario experienced when she and her colleagues quickly learned new protocols and implemented precautionary measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic instantly impacted hospitals everywhere,” said Klomp, a 2016 graduate of Loyalist College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in collaboration with Brock University. “We’ve made changes to ensure that our hospital, and everyone who enters the building, is as protected as possible. For the health of all patients and staff, we have to assume that anyone entering the facility is positive for COVID-19, even though it’s very unlikely.”
While at Loyalist, Klomp was a member of the Women’s Varsity Volleyball team and was known on the court for her versatility.
“I was a very adaptable player during my Varsity career,” she said. “My coaches would shuffle me between different positions. They taught me how important it is to be flexible and how to adjust under pressure. I learned how to proactively anticipate tough situations and respond accordingly. I was never the biggest player on the court, but I knew that no matter what I was facing, there was always a way to persevere.”
Working hard to be smarter and faster is a Lancer lesson Klomp applies to her profession. As a nurse on the front line, putting in long hours to respond to the pandemic, Klomp is reminded that at the end of the day, it’s all about teamwork.
“It’s been a very important part of this process,” she said. “We’ve had to reassess our best practices, learn new techniques and be extremely resourceful. I’m grateful to be a part of such a supportive team where we assist each other whenever possible. Volleyball really prepared me for that type of tightknit network. The whole team takes a hit when we have a loss. Health care is collaborative and to win, we must work together.”
Klomp knows that for those at home, supporting the front line through self-isolation is a struggle. It goes against our human nature.
“We need to remember that we’re human and we need interaction,” she said. “As a nurse, I bring human connection and a medical skillset to my patients. At home, we can be smart and interact through phone calls and video chats. We’re all on the same team, playing different positions. Our opponent is COVID-19. It’s been a challenge, but we’ve learned and adapted. With a team this strong, we’re going to win.”
Amy Klomp (left) at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance – St. Marys Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, Ontario.