Nurse Practitioner Guest Author
academic medical center in New York City
Mary Jo Holuba, MSN, RN, CRNP is a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner who she specializes in the care of patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplants. She currently practices at an academic medical center in New York City.
When the COVID-19 alarms were raised, I got ready for battle against the virus the world was fighting, only to later feel cut off from “the cause” as my efforts to volunteer outside of my daily work were denied time and again. Some might call it luck, but for me, it felt isolating.
As I enter rooms filled with aerosolized forms of the coronavirus, realizing that I am at high risk of catching this highly contagious disease, I set aside my fears to hold the hands of patients — strangers and friends, all alike. I love what I do.
A collection of poems entitled “Meditations on Family.”
A collection of poems entitled “Meditations on God.”
I recall my father sitting on a small stool in the kitchen / dialing friends and family, one by one, rippling outward
I did not stay down / I did not give up
my patient does not have insurance / he asks me to address his concerns
Illness lies hidden in our ways / Influenced by the unconscious gaze.
“One” / It read. / Unassuming in black and white
Scared and frightened, we came in as interns / We had the knowledge, but we needed direction
To help a soul / To heal a wound / To hold a hand / To walk again
Resident Physician Contributing Writer
Tufts University School of Medicine
I am an orthopaedic surgery resident at Tufts University School of Medicine. I have been writing poetry since middle school, and this outlet has helped me reflect and process life's challenges, including finding my way in medicine. I am excited to share my thoughts written from the past few years with the medical community through in-House. May they bring some new meaning for you.
