‘Twas the Night Before CDI Season

by Susan Fleenor, RN, BSN, MS

‘Twas the night before CDI season when all through the land,

CDI departments were very busy at hand.

Back in their offices, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse,

Because all the CDS staff were now home, working in their house.

 

The DRGs and diagnoses were all chosen with care,

With hopes that the dieticians soon would be there.

During the year, the COVID virus spread like wildfire.

Early in spring, we thought the pandemic was at its most dire.

 

But as the fall season, and now December, grew close

We had no idea that things would get really gross.

The continued spreading was most evident

In nursing homes, in celebrities, and even the President.

 

The governors and CDC had a big ask:

“Please, oh, please, stay home, and do wear a mask!”

But some sadly did not agree,

And may get too sick to be around family.

 

Some went to dine out, live a “normal” life, and be free,

Forgetting the impact on the healthcare system, and what nurses would see.

So as hospital beds fill once again with a clatter

All the CDI staff log in to see what is the matter!

 

Now at year’s end, with the holiday’s allure

We continue to search for COVID-related respiratory failure.

We have now discovered that many are symptom free

With incredibly low 02 sats—and wonder “how can that be?”

 

We know we had not seen the worst earlier this year,

However, our hopes for a vaccine are so very near!

So, hang on to your hats, 2021 is almost here

And so, we wish you continued strength and a healthy new year!

Editor’s Note: Fleenor is a CDI specialist at EvergreenHealth in Washington and a chapter leader for the Washington ACDIS Chapter. Contact her at susanf89@yahoo.com. ACDIS welcomes submissions to the Blog. For more information on how to submit, contact ACDIS Editor Carolyn Riel at Criel@acdis.org.