HEALTH CARE HERO: ‘NOT EASY BUT IT IS FULFILLING’
Name: Gayle Hood
Hometown (where you live now):
Springfield
Job title: Environmental Service
Where do you work: Mercy Health–Springfield Regional Medical Center
Describe what your day is like/ what you do: I clean and control infection throughout the hospital. I usually work 2 East as my assigned floor. At this current time, I am a little bit everywhere. I clean patients’ rooms and try to make them smile while I’m there. I also clean restrooms and nurses stations for our staff.
What inspired you to get into health care? I have always wanted to be in health care. I absolutely love to take care of people in any way possible. I am also attending college to hopefully become a registered nurse.
What’s a memorable experience you’ve had in health care? My most memorable experience was with a patient’s wife who was very confused about what was happening with her husband. She was so nervous about his diet when he got home. She asked me if I knew anything about the “cardiac diet.” I told her yes, since I have a dad, father-in-law, grandpa and husband who all have to follow it. So, the next hour, I stood in her room reassuring her that it was easier than it sounded and that (she should) give it time and take it slow. She hugged me, and her daughter, who came in during the conversation, thanked me. I left knowing I helped and seemed to have eased her and his mind a little bit.
What do you want readers to know about your job right now? It is not easy but it is fulfilling, and our jobs are helping control an out of control virus.
The Dayton Daily News is profiling the people who work hard every day to save lives and take care of us. Nominate a Health Care Hero by emailing Rebecca.Mullins@coxinc. com.