By Ally Knudtson

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (JRMC) – An Emergency Department Nurse in Jamestown is caring for her community inside and out of patient rooms.

Rachel Macdonald, a registered nurse in the Jamestown Regional Medical Center Emergency Department is also a certified yoga instructor. She’s offering a 60-minute class online, called Yoga Bliss for COVID Calm.  

“In these uncertain times, we need to remember to take care of our bodies and our minds. Yoga is a perfect way to do that” Macdonald said. “As an emergency department nurse, I know I feel the pressure.”

Healthcare workers like Macdonald are on the frontlines of this pandemic and therefore, at the most risk. 

Though she usually teaches from a fitness studio in downtown Jamestown, Yoga Bliss for COVID Calm is streamed online so individuals can maintain healthy social distancing. 

“Anyone can practice this, anywhere they are. Children can, and probably should, do this too, especially if they are out of school.”

Macdonald said yoga has helped her through personal struggles as well as tough days in the Emergency Department. After especially rough shifts, she leads her coworkers in brief yoga practices at the hospital. 

“Rachel is an excellent example of legendary care at JRMC,” said Trisha Jungels, Chief Nursing Officer. “She is THE difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Though treatment for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) does not exist, individuals can care for themselves and their families through hand washing, social distancing and staying home if you feel sick. 

“Even if you aren’t diagnosed with coronavirus, you still may feel the mental impacts of canceled events, closed schools and a shortage of household items. These few minutes of calm can ease everyone’s anxieties,” Macdonald said.

Macdonald joined Jamestown Regional Medical Center in 2012. She’s taught yoga since 2017 and has practiced yoga for 20 years.

The class is available at www.jrmcnd.com/alerts-and-updates.

Learn more about COVID-19 in North Dakota at https://www.health.nd.gov/.