Cora Martinetto, 24, a registered nurse at the Mayo Clinic, is being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that many would not expect. Instead of increased hours and an overwhelming number of patients, Martinetto is battling an empty hospital unit, reduced work hours, and the possibility of furlough in the near future. 

Martinetto graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in May 2018 and currently works in the post-surgical unit of the Rochester Mayo Clinic. According to Martinetto, the unit just reopened after being temporarily closed due to the cancellations of all elective surgeries. This meant a cut in the number of patients and in Martinetto’s hours. 

“It’s sort of eerie right now, it’s kind of the calm before the storm,” Martinetto said, “A lot of units were temporarily closed due to low census and we were getting a lot of time off just since we have a higher nurse to patient ratio.”

A typical week brings in about 30 hours of work for Martinetto and between 2-5 patients assigned to her rounds. But, Maritnetto shared that things are more unpredictable now with the threat of COVID-19 hanging over the hospital. 

“Mayo is talking about furloughing employees, which is a tough thing to hear from an employer,” said Martinetto’s live-in boyfriend Austin Noble.

A recent article stated that Mayo is considering reducing pay and possibly furloughing 30,000 employees due to financial losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rochester clinic, where Martinetto works, is operating at 35 to 40 percent capacity. 

Mayo Clinic stated that they are planning reduced hours and furloughs for staff, but are not planning any layoffs and will continue to provide health benefits for their employees through this time, “As we move through these difficult times, our priority is the safety and care of our patients and staff. We are prepared to serve patients whose needs cannot be deferred or delayed without risk to their wellbeing.”

Mayo Clinic isn’t the only hospital facing financial difficulties in the pandemic. In late March, Essentia Health laid off 500 employees.

“The biggest challenge isn’t from COVID-19 itself, it has been from all the precautions that have been put in place,” Noble said. 

Since the reopening of the post-surgical unit, hours and stability have increased, but worry still lingers in the air. As of April 23, Minnesota had 2,942 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 712 of these cases requiring hospitalization, and the numbers are constantly changing.

“It’s hard to explain but it’s almost like a gut-wrenching feeling walking into work, the halls are dark, there are no visitors, patients stay mostly in their rooms, everyone is masked, it’s just nothing like it used to be,” Martinetto said. 

Hospital staff take measures every day to ensure the safety of their patients and themselves. There are no more handshakes. Lunches are eaten six feet apart. Martinetto shared that even though she takes many precautions, she worries about bringing the virus home with her. 

“It’s just strange that it’s so calm right now but we are all just waiting for it to get worse and we aren’t sure when that is going to happen so it’s just an anxious feeling always,” Martinetto said.

“It makes me very proud that my daughter is a dedicated and compassionate person and nurse,” Martinetto’s mother, Su Martinetto, said, “However…during this pandemic and the uncertainties it holds, it definitely makes me feel very uneasy and concerned.” 

Coping for Martinetto looks like daily walks after dinner and calls with loved ones. She says that it brings her peace of mind to know that the people in her life are staying home and staying safe. 

“Makes me proud knowing that she’s on the frontline helping battle this pandemic,” Noble said. 

One positive that Martinetto has found is using her time off of work to reflect on the situation and remain optimistic. Martinetto had two weeks home at the beginning of the pandemic due to the hospital changes, and she said this allowed her the time she needed to adjust before returning to the clinic. Martinetto hopes to continue her work at the Mayo Clinic and help in the fight against COVID-19.

Editor’s note: This article was updated to show new statements from Mayo Clinic.