The Work We Do Clark Nursing and Rehab

At Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (CNRC) in Clark, NJ, 1199SEIU members care for a broad spectrum of patients. Caregivers at CNRC treat patients recovering from surgery and seniors needing long-term care. CNRC members also work on a ventilator management unit, where they treat patients unable to breathe on their own. COVID-19 has highlighted not only the importance of this work, but also the professionalism and dedication of those who do it. Clark 1199ers are among the tens of thousands of nursing home workers who everyday brave the pandemic to ensure the best care for their patients. In November, 1199 Magazine spent some socially-distant time with a group of nursing assistants from CNRC who shared their fears about a second wave, experience of the first, and a strong faith that has helped see them through the pandemic.

1. CNA Marie Sierre

4. Marie Polynice has been a CNA at CNRC since 2000. She works on units throughout the home. Polynice says that one of the hardest parts of COVID has been the dealing with the fear among residents and her co-workers. “You go to work, and you go home. You don’t want to make anyone else sick or bring it home to your family,” she says. “And we don’t want COVID to come back into our facility [with the second wave].” “I pray a lot. I know that God is going to protect me,” she adds. “I also follow all the precautions and don’t go anywhere, because I want to protect my family and my patients.”

2. Marie St. Germain has worked at CNRC for 25 years and is currently assigned to the facility’s ventilator management unit. St. Germain works hard to ensure the safety of her vulnerable patients and wears both a surgical mask and an N-95 anytime she’s outside of her home. “In the beginning, it was so scary,” she says. “I worked on the COVID floor, and I didn’t eat or sit down unless I really had to,” she says. “I have to take care of myself because I have high blood pressure and diabetes. I take Vitamin B and C to boost my immune system.”

5. “I had COVID from April into May and spent over a month at home,” says CNA Antoinise Barthelemey. “I was the only one who had it in my family, and my sons and my husband looked after me. I quarantined myself, and they would leave food and medicine by my door. I thank God for them,” she says. “I was very nervous coming back to work, because I was scared of getting it again. I make sure I take all precautions and make sure I’m wearing my gloves, mask, and gown correctly at all times.”

3. CNA Mona Darisme

1199 Magazine | November & December 2020