COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Preparedness

HomeCOVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Preparedness

image of coronavirus

We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, and will keep this webpage updated with the most current information about any impact to School of Nursing operations.

UMSON Status

  • Classes: conducted remotely
  • Clinicals and Practicums, Labs and Simulation Activities: resumed in person as of the summer 2020 semester, using necessary precautions
  • Events: offered in a virtual format only; no in-person events
  • Employees: follow UMB's Updated Telework Policy
  • Universities at Shady Grove: Updates on COVID-19

UMB/UMMS Policies and Guidance Regarding COVID-19

UMSON Recovery Information

Additional Information

Information for Students

Resources 

If you are feeling increased anxiety because of the crisis and its disruption to your life, UMB offers counseling resources through the Student Counseling Center (410-328-8404).

Communications

Videos

Information for Faculty and Staff

Forms

Resources and Links

Counseling Resources

If you are feeling increased anxiety because of the crisis and its disruption to your life, UMB offers counseling resources through our Employee Assistance Program (667-214-1555). Download a brochure.

Email Signature and Telework Tips

We encourage all UMSON employees to include the following message above your contact information in your email signature:

We are working remotely to comply with UMB campus guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. While we will do our best to continue normal operations and work schedules, please understand that due to the nature of the situation, responses and actions may be delayed. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time.

Additional Telework Tips

Communications

Videos

Information for Clinical Partners

Communications

Information for Alumni

Communications

  • March 31, 2020 COVID-19 Employment Opportunity
    from Lisa Rowen, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, University of Maryland Medical Center
  • March 19, 2020: UMSON Update
    from Jane M. Kirschling, Dean

Resources and Links

 

Additional Resources

UMB COVID-19 News and Resources
for the campus preparedness plan, informational videos, and FAQs

UMB Alerts
for closings and other important campus-wide announcements

UMB Webcam Tutorial 
a video tutorial on how to improve your online presence during teleconferences

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
for updates on the spread of COVID-19 and recommendations to limit its spread

Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Webpage
for Maryland-specific COVID-19 updates

"Gratitude Heals - A Special Edition Workbook for Supporting Healthcare in a COVID-19 Crisis"

We are grateful to Linda Roszak Burton, ACC, BBC, BS, the founder and managing partner of DRW Inc., a leadership development and executive coaching firm, for sharing with us "Gratitude Heals - A Special Edition Workbook for Supporting Healthcare in a COVID-19 Crisis." Ms. Roszak serves as an appointed member of the University of Maryland School of Nursing's Advisory Board for the Governor's Wellmobile Program. She has kindly granted us permission to post this workbook here and make it broadly available to our extended community. We are deeply appreciative of her ongoing support.

Calling All Makers: Create Face Masks and Ear Savers for UMMC Use!

four cloth masks

Hospital systems in the United States have been and will continue to be challenged to meet the needs of patients who may be COVID-19 positive. In light of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidance approving the use of cloth masks. If you are able to sew such masks, UMSON is collecting them to be delivered to the University of Maryland Medical Center weekly.

These cloth face masks will be provided to patients, visitors, and staff members working in non-direct patient care, and will help to preserve medical-grade masks for those providing direct patient care.

Cloth Mask Instructions

Sewing experience, not expertise, is required to fabricate these correctly. There are two variations of the mask – folded and fitted.

Please make mask ties at least 16.5 inches each. If you are unable to find other materials for your ties, bias tape can work well. Just be sure to seal the ends.
 
The links above follow CDC guidelines and have links to the CDC website. Unlike the N95 masks, these are not designed to prevent COVID-19; however, if constructed properly they can provide minimal protection and will prevent some transmission.
 
To Avoid Contamination ...
  • To avoid contamination of masks or other people while transporting them, if you are currently feeling sick or have been exposed to anyone with symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, dry cough, or other) do NOT make masks at this time 
  • Place the completed masks in a sealed plastic bag that can be wiped down by the health care group and then run through their sanitizing processes. If you don’t have sealable bags, just seal them up as best you can.
  • Please place a note in the bag or write on the bag how many masks are included.

How will the masks be used?

  • Cloth masks will not be used for COVID-19 positive or COVID-19 suspected patients; only approved PPE will be used for hospital staff who provide care to these patients
  • Cloth masks can be used for non-clinical staff who desire a barrier but do not require PPE for their role and work
  • Cloth masks can be distributed to patients in the hospital or at discharge who desire a mask and do not require PPE, which will help to conserve the hospital’s PPE

Ear Saver ImageEar Saver Instructions

In addition, because providers have to wear face masks for extended periods of time, it can cause skin breakdown and irritation. UMMC is seeking people to use 3-D printers to make plastic "ear savers" to alleviate the issue.

Ear Savers (3-D printed)

Submission Instructions
 
Once you have made the masks and/or ear savers, please mail them to:

Susan Dorsey
5401 Hamlet Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21214

If you have any questions about connecting with Susan, please email her (sdorsey@umaryland.edu). Susan will deliver the face masks to UMSON weekly, and UMMC will arrange to send someone to UMSON to pick them up.
 
If you have questions or need additional guidance for making the masks, please feel free to reach out to Deb Greenspan, who is coordinating this effort with Susan. 
 
We greatly appreciate the caring people in the community who have joined in this effort to individually support the health care community.
 

Other Ways to Help

Make a card for UMB's thank-you card campaign

Help feed our essential employees working on campus via the Food for Our Front-line

Volunteer your time – visit the partnership website to find a way to make a difference, including:

  • Giving blood
  • Delivering meals
  • Providing virtual business support

Know of another opportunity that should be listed? You can create an account at the link above to submit the information, and you can also email the information to Eva Hanley so it can be included in a weekly email.

Donate to one of our emergency funds to help create a much-needed safety net for our most vulnerable students:

Guidance and Letters to the UMB Community

Read more at the University of Maryland, Baltimore COVID-19 Recovery website.

On the Bright Side: Share Your Uplifting Stories

Explore the inspirational stories shared by faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are going above and beyond to support their family and friends, colleagues, and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read More and Share Your Story

Impact Summary

  

Upcoming UMSON Town Halls

Image courtesy the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.