Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302793
Although she started working in housekeeping for Navicent Health three years ago, Faith Fuller quickly transitioned to a role as a clinical technician and has her sights set on a career as a respiratory therapist. It's a role on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle, which just makes Fuller "want it more." Hired at Navicent in the Environmental Services Department, Fuller's daily duties were to keep a busy Level I trauma center clean and sanitized. "Working in the ER in that role made me want to work in the ER as part of the clinical team," she said. So, when a clinical technician position opened, Fuller applied. Now, she assists nurses with checking vital signs and patient care. "I can do anything a nurse can do except give meds and start IVs," she said. "But I most enjoy the people I work with and the patients." Although Fuller is fairly new in her role, she has become the go-to person for COVID-19 care, according to Johnny Williams, emergency center nurse director at The Medical Center, Navicent Health. "Faith has become an expert in the COVID-19 processes, not only mastering her role as a clinical technician in this area, but also ensuring the nurses, physicians and other care providers follow the correct processes," Williams said. Because COVID-19 is a new scenario, Fuller said she works hard to set a good example. "The best thing I can do is help keep everything sanitized and make sure patients are taken care of in the best way," she said. "It does, at times, make me nervous, and that's why we do our best in keeping everything clean, because we all have family at home." Fuller understands the risks of working in a contagious environment, and still seeks to put herself on the frontline. "I'm going to school in August for respiratory therapy, which is basically the worst kind of job during this pandemic, because it is a respiratory disease," she said. "But that makes me want it more. I hope to be one of the best respiratory therapists that I can, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work at Navicent." Williams said Navicent is lucky to have her. "Faith grasps the many challenges of this pandemic with confidence and joy," Williams said. "Her care for her patients and her teammates has always been great, but has risen to a new level during this pandemic." —Renee Corwine Faith Fuller 9