TW: COVID, Death, Suicide 

As we acknowledge the two-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we welcome the incredible Christian Franz, who worked in an ICU in NYC, to discuss his experience on the frontlines. Christian talks about how he made it through each day alongside media and online misinformation, and the trauma and heartbreak he experienced as, at one point, he was saying goodbye to around 7-10 patients a night. He talks about how pre-existing flaws in the healthcare system became so much more apparent during this time, why he made the decision to start studying medicine, and how he wants to dedicate his life to fixing the system and uniting nurses and doctors. On top of all of that, he has an IG live series and podcast called Friends of Franz which aims to humanize healthcare workers and broaden access to medical information. This is an incredibly emotional episode highlighting the unresolved mental health consequences of this pandemic for our frontline workers. It is essential to validate the experience of healthcare workers, and we hope this episode can be cathartic, as we honor Christian’s experience.

To get more from Christian, follow him on Instagram @chrsfranz and his podcast on Instagram @friendsoffranzpod and wherever you listen. 

Keep in mind the high-stake decisions and moral duress healthcare professionals currently face will undoubtedly take a toll on our field. If you feel overwhelmed beyond your limits by sadness, depression, or anxiety, or if you have had thoughts of hurting or killing yourself, call 911. You can also call or text one of these crisis hotlines for immediate response: 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat . If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741  

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727). Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. 

American Nurses Association Well-Being Initiative - Free Tools to Support the Mental Health and Resilience of All Nurses 

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If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @TheWoMed and check out womedpodcast.com. Remember to submit your weekly Nurse D Energy, shoutouts, and Wo-No You Didn't moments to us on Instagram — we love reading and sharing them! Plus, be sure to follow your hosts personally @dmmaltby and @jaclyndarling_rn and be sure to check out @riothealers!  

WoMed Cover Art — Makeup: Annelise Carey, MUA/LME @annelisemua & Photography: Brooke Boling @honorcreative   

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