Both, actually..
We were in a personnel shortage before the virus struck.
When it DID strike, some of our crew that had underlying
conditions that would have been disastrous if they caught it,
took a leave of absence during the CV peak.
Extra work was needed in pretty much all areas, but mainly
in patient care.
I am a Medical Technician, but aside from medication dispensing, I would assist in patient care, feeding,
bathing etc. as well as medicating two wings.
It was heartbreaking for our patients, as they could not and STILL cannot have visitors unless they were dying.
It has been very hard for them.
It was like this from mid March to the end of June.
We wore masks the whole shift (and we still do) and
now we get to wear some peachy keen neato goggles as well.
Swell!
Thank you so much for the first-hand report!