Alumni on the Front Lines | Sabrina Bolianites

Alumna Sabrina Bolianites ’15/’18G is working as a floating nurse and is currently stationed at a hospital near Newark, New Jersey, one of the states hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sabrina earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from Rivier. She was originally hired to work in the telemetry units, helping patients who require constant monitoring and around the clock care. But, she told us, “the hospital is in such a dire need that I can have med-surgery, telemetry, and sometimes even ICU patients on any given day.”

Sabrina shared with us what the working conditions are like at the hospital. “We are working with one gown, mask, and hair net for the whole day. Tonight I had seven patients along with two other nurses on our floor and we struggled. Almost every single one of my patients was COVID-19 positive.”

The strain of working on the front lines has taken a toll on Sabrina physically, mentally, and emotionally, she said. The day she contacted us, she had barely eaten and was feeling the physical stress of her job. “As I lay in bed my back hurts, my jaw quivers because of all the built-up stress from clenching to keep my mask in place, and tears roll down my eyes from pure exhaustion.”

Sabrina says that working on the front lines has made her realize that her real passion is teaching and shown her how important it is for nurses to fully understand patient care. “That’s what nursing truly is about—caring. I try and treat every patient as if I have known them forever. As much as this has taken a toll on me, I have also learned a lot. And for that, I am grateful.” We are grateful for the work you are doing and the care you provide, Sabrina. Your patients are lucky to have you on their side!