Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Jack Lingo, REALTOR® has sought to celebrate those individuals working hard to keep our community safe and lead Sussex County to collective recovery. For this reason, our company launched our "Local Heroes" campaign, whereby the public could nominate individuals whom they judged deserving of special recognition during this difficult time. We received several nominations and will be highlighting many local heroes over the coming weeks. Keep reading to learn more about our second local hero, Karen Smail!
Karen Smail, a neonatal nurse practitioner at Beebe Hospital in Lewes, has worked tirelessly to deliver babies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Among her many tasks, she has fought to save the lives of babies just delivered from COVID-19 infected mothers. Karen has put her life on the line to deliver, save, and care for newborns throughout their stay at Beebe Hospital. The consequences of COVID-19 on childbirth are not known to many, but the heroes working with mothers and newborns in the delivery rooms are saving two lives at a time. Karen selflessly goes to work each day without worrying about the risks to her own person. Her goal is to deliver and send home healthy newborns, and we are proud to honor her as one of our valuable local heroes!
We interviewed Karen to learn all about her experiences working during this difficult time!
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Maintaining energy, mentally, physically, and emotionally, to continue providing the best care to patients knowing so much stress is put on all concerned and things change with new scientific information.
What silver lining have you been able to find from the pandemic?
Seeing families have a safe delivery and leave the hospital knowing that I and the staff gave professional service. I love my job and am rewarded daily by the feeling that Beebe Hospital has an awesome staff.
Thank you, Karen, for the wonderful things you are accomplishing for our community!