Voices from the Frontlines: Giselle Loi

How one Registered Nurse helps protect her community during the pandemic

Giselle Loi works as an RN in San Francisco, one of the hardest hit epicenters of the U.S. Coronavirus pandemic. Registered Nurses like Giselle must provide triage, physicals, immunizations, and return-to-work clearances on a daily basis.

A typical day in her life includes telehealth appointments with employees who need an evaluation before they can return to work. She also performs re-employment exams, physicals, and drop-ins for immunizations. In addition, Giselle triages patients with potential new injuries or COVID-related symptoms.

According to Giselle, the pandemic has impacted her work in a myriad of ways. It increased her responsibilities, prompting her to train other nurses so that she can delegate tasks and attend to COVID-related duties.

Not only has Giselle tackled this new responsibility, but her commitment to the community has not wavered. In fact, she seems motivated, now more than ever, to pursue higher levels of nursing.

These are just a few reasons why we’ve chosen to feature Giselle Loi as one of our amazing Healthcare Heroes.

Giselle Loi

RN in San Francisco, CA

Graduate of Unitek College, 2019

What made you choose your current career?

I wanted to find a job that was challenging, rewarding, and interesting. I also wanted to make a positive impact on others and society.

What are the typical responsibilities for someone in your position?

Triage, physicals, immunizations, and return to work clearance.

Walk us through a day in your life. What does it look like?

I handle video visits for employees who need evaluation to return to work, pre-employment exams/physicals, drop ins for immunizations, and triage potential new injuries or COVID-related symptoms.

How has the pandemic affected your work?

It’s given me more responsibility. I provide people with guidance for next steps and train other nurses so that I can delegate while attending to COVID-related tasks.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your job in recent weeks?

Instability and the unknown.

What aspects of your healthcare training have prepared you for the current crisis?

My previous experience in ambulatory care.

What do you appreciate most about your job?

That I can help give people reassurance and guidance, especially in times like these.

Where do you find the inspiration to endure this difficult period? What’s been your greatest source of strength?

My family.

How do you find balance? What do you do to maintain your composure during stressful moments at work?

Frequent breaks.

Any words of advice or inspiration you’d like to share with other healthcare workers who may be coping with similar challenges?

There’s only so much you can do. Take it one day at a time.

What advice would you share with future generations of healthcare professionals?

Think long term. Whatever you’re going through is temporary.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with the general public?

Time isn’t going to slow down for you.

What other interesting things would you like to share about yourself?

I’m an aspiring Nurse Practitioner!

Thank you!

We thank Giselle for sharing her story as she continues to support other nurses while caring for her patients during the pandemic. We appreciate her generous efforts as well as the perseverance of so many other healthcare workers throughout the world. They are true heroes in every sense of the word.

Keep up the great work, Giselle—we can’t wait to see the places you’ll go!