As a temperature screener during the COVID pandemic, you are responsible for delivering exceptional customer service to employees and visitors as you perform temperature screenings on all individuals entering your facility. During the pandemic, it is often hard to keep a positive outlook while keeping stress and anxiety at bay. Despite your best efforts, you may feel helpless, sad, angry, irritable, hopeless, anxious or afraid. These feelings can make it challenging to carry out your duties as a temperature screener. Here are suggestions to assist you in keeping your chin up as you screen temperatures.
Caring for Your Mind
It is important that you monitor your mental health during this COVID pandemic. It is crucial that you reduce stress triggers and take care of your mind. Here are some tips:
- Sustain your routine. Maintaining a regular schedule is vital to your mental health. Stick to a regular bedtime and try to eat at a set time. Try to keep your work, study and exercise times scheduled. Predictability will give you a sense of control that is critical during these uncertain times.
- Turn off the news. The constant barrage of COVID-19 information is distressing, and it can heighten your fears about the disease. Limit your social media exposure to avoid rumors and false information. Try to find reliable news sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
- Keep busy. A distraction is excellent for taking your mind off the negative thoughts that fuel anxiety and depression. Enjoy hobbies, take on a new project, do anything that will take your mind off the virus.
- Stay positive. You have a choice to concentrate on the positive things in your life or the negative. Choose the former. You might want to consider starting each day by listing things for which you are thankful. Accept change and try to keep your problems in perspective.
- Set Priorities. Set reasonable goals for yourself to achieve while you are away from your job. Summarize the steps it will take for you to realize these goals. Always give yourself credit for each step, no matter how small the success.
Get Help if You Need It
Sitting back and hoping that stress and anxiety will disappear may lead to worse problems. If you are experiencing worsening mental health symptoms, you might need to:
- Contact a close friend or a loved one.
- Contact a minister or spiritual adviser.
- Get in touch with your EAP if your employer has one and get counseling.
- Make an appointment with your primary care provider or mental health professional to discuss your anxiety and depression.
- If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or considering hurting yourself call a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Power Personnel has job opportunities for all levels of health care professionals. Contact the recruiters at Power Personnel to see how they can help you meet your career goals.
