Meet Social Workers Karen Ramirez, LCSW and Jewel Medina, LCSW
Words to live by for strength and hope
Elmhurst Strong!
— Dept. of Social Work
This Generosity of spirit and Love that Karen shares with her co-workers and patients is much appreciated. Karen nominated herself for this “sweet” reward and only requested that we bring enough Dreamy Bite Chocolates for the entire social work Team!
Meet Karen Ramirez, LCSW
as a Social Worker in the Dialysis Unit at Elmhurst Hospital, Karen assists Her Patients with treatment protocol set up, gives encouragement and coordinates with doctors and nurses.
She is on the front line to give these end-stage renal patients and their families support and comfort. Even with end stage renal failure, Karen has been able to built lasting and caring relationships. as a added blessing, since Elmhurst serves a multi-lingual and culturally diverse population, Karen, being bi-lingual can assist with the language needs of the Hispanic community.
Karen Ramirez experience as a social worker through COVID-19
Elmhurst Hospital has been one of the epicenters of this global pandemic. Elmhurst Staff and especially nurses and doctors are working longer hours …like never before. As social workers, Karen and Jewel have felt this heavy burden, as well.
Unfortunately, Karen is not able to talk directly with her patients and the communication is severely limited. Wearing PPE , she continues to stay motivated and sees her patients daily, weekly and monthly. Karen is now seeing between 5-10 patients / day and 80% have Covid-19. She has seen the passing of patients of all ages, not just the elderly. With so many emotions and the new social distancing from each other, Karen finds comfort and support from her co-workers, family, and friends. Elmhurst Hospital also offers counseling to their staff.
Karen is a vegan and enjoys eating all the yummy comfort foods! She enjoys reading and her favorite author is Stephen King. Long walks, while listening to music, and spending time with her extended family also relaxing as well.
Meet Jewel Medina, MSW + LCSW
As a social worker at Elmhurst Hospital NICU unit Jewel has seen many changes.
for starters, No parental visits to the nicu, and Families are now only provided Facetime calls via IPADs to see their Precious little ones
there are more intensive services required for COVID-19 patients, which she is now experiencing with more than 5- 6 Patients daily during her shift.
“My concern is for my patients, We serve a very diverse community with socioeconomic disadvantages. Our community became the epicenter affecting many services for our patients, so supplying our patients the basic needs for their growing families has been very challenging.” Jewel Medina
What gives you strength during this time?
Not loosing faith in God’s word with the support from my colleagues, community and family.
A phrase to keep in mind provided by Jewel’s church community: “Start with Joy”
Thank you Elmhurst strong + Social Workers: Karen and Jewel
we Appreciate the care and love you provide the community of Queens
Thank you for your nominations and help us continue spreading the joy of Sweet Vegan Chocolate