Bayhealth staff redeployment leads to positive connections

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, healthcare workers deal with workplace changes that extend beyond safety precautions.

Many Bayhealth staff face redeployment, or job assignment change, because there is a higher priority to meet the COVID crisis over their current position.

Bayhealth Outpatient Rehabilitation Patient Account Specialist Misdee Stallings admits some uncertainty when she was reassigned to the Coronavirus Management Team in March.

In Stallings’ new role, she helps with registration at both employee and community COVID-19 drive-through test sites. “I’m responsible for checking IDs and directing patients to the education station at the drive-through. There’s a lot of human connection. I see a lot of scared people out there,” she said.

From what she thought might be a negative situation, she has discovered many silver linings. Stallings said, “This organization has amazing people. They are so invested; they go above and beyond for the patient.” She said Vice President of Ancillary and Clinical Services Brad Kirkes is right in the trenches with her. “He helps streamline the check-in process by asking patients questions while I’m checking them in on the iPad.”

She said she’s proud to be a connected part of the team. “It’s important because there’s something about contributing in a different situation. “Everything is very organized, and there’s great communication. I’m very comfortable here. I see co-workers at their best, and I’m working alongside incredible people,” said Stallings.

Her peers at the drive-through site share another common ground because they are all staff deployed from another place or position. “We’re all in the same boat,” Stallings said.

That’s not to say there haven’t been some adjustments including different hours that often change from day to day. “My hours are all over the place. I’ve found that if you’re flexible, the less stress you’ll have,” she said.

“My heart aches for families who are affected. We are all trying to be compassionate, not just clinicians. We’ll all get through this. I just pray for everyone.”

To be pre-screened for COVID-19, call 302-310-8477 or email Coronavirus@Bayhealth.org.