Virtual pet therapy visits, singing nurses: How local hospitals are brightening spirits during coronavirus pandemic

ORLANDO, Fla. — A nurse practitioner’s voice rings out through the halls of AdventHealth Ocala. She’s not barking orders but belting out songs. A socially distant pianist stands nearby, accompanying her on the keys.

Nurse practitioner Tabitha Roberson-Newborn and chaplain Leta Kravig make two rounds daily at the hospital, singing in the halls and at the nurses’ stations to provide encouragement and spiritual care to those in need. Scroll down to watch video of one of their performances.

It’s one way local Central Florida hospitals are working to lift spirits for staff and patients in this time of crisis.

READ: Coronavirus: Disney Parks donate 150K rain ponchos, 100K face masks to hospitals, medical workers

Pet therapy dogs are regulars at Orlando Health, but have been put on “paws” due to the coronavirus pandemic. But a hospital spokesperson said members of the Orlando Health Pet Therapy Program have found a way to help from afar.

Many of the 90 teams who participate in the program are creating encouraging virtual video messages to share with patients and hospital staff.

READ: Battle buddies: Local doctors, nurses look out for each other during coronavirus pandemic

In the messages, the dogs and their owners pose with encouraging signs reading everything from “Sending Virtual Puppy Kisses” and “You’re Pawsome” to “We Will Get Through This.”

“Our pet therapy volunteers are part of what makes Orlando Health so special. Each day our teams visit patients and staff to help ease stress and anxiety,” said Paige Johnson, pet therapy team assistant with volunteer services at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center. “They bring joy and comfort to those who need it most.”

READ: Grocery store workers, nurses, military members and more: Meet our Central Florida pandemic heroes

9 Family Connection: Who is your hero? Meteorologist Brian Shields shares about the heroes in Central Florida amid the coronavirus pandemic.

© 2020 Cox Media Group