Meghan Gleason ’14

Meghan Gleason ’14 is a cardiovascular ICU nurse.

“Each week is different and some weeks I am needed in the COVID units more than others. When I graduated from nursing school two years ago I never imagined I’d be on the frontline of a global pandemic. Not knowing what my day at workday might hold combined with the fact that I’m caring for positive COVID patients is scary.”

“Viz is still very much a part of my current life and I attribute my time at Viz to the person I am today. I think one of the greatest gifts Viz gave me to help me with this challenge is my strong foundation in faith. I loved that God and faith was incorporated into our everyday lives at Viz and I still try and do this same to this day. Pandemic or no pandemic I say a prayer each morning before work and give a shout-out to St. Francis and St. Jane. I also think Viz taught me how to work as a team and that is SO important at my job especially while working in the COVID units.”

“Being floated to a different unit for COVID was a daunting experience for me. I love meeting new people but was afraid the teamwork wouldn’t be the same as in my own unit. That could not be farther from the truth and I have found that everyone really wants to help one another out—that gives me hope that even in hard times we can all band together to hopefully end this pandemic sooner rather than later.

“I think the big thing everyone can do is to continue to take precautions, wash your hands, donate to fundraising efforts if you’re able and say a lot of prayers!”