COVID-19 From the Bedside: Are We "Just Nurses" Now

BY SHEILA PIERRE-LOUIS, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, SCRN

Just nurses…

> that pray in the car before, during, and after every shift because their risk exposure is high.

> that have had to send their little one to stay with a relative for an unknown amount of time to keep them safe.

> that have to watch their toddler cry over videocall because they want their “mommy/daddy” home.

> that may still be struggling to find childcare because they still have to work.

> that have to worry about cross-contamination as they doff, clean, and reuse their PPE.

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> that were unintentionally exposed to COVID-19 because the patient did not present with “textbook symptoms.”

> that have anxiety about exposing their household.

> that are told they will not get tested unless they exhibit symptoms.

> that finally got tested after they showed symptoms and are anxiously waiting for results.

> that tested positive and now stress about how bills will get paid because they have exhausted their PTO.

> that are selflessly working overtime to meet the critical demands.

> that are faced with the sudden hazards of their everyday job without hazard pay.

> that get death stares if they are out in clean scrubs.

> that have returned to the bedside to answer their calling.

> that have taken on a job at the bedside because their department isn’t seeing patients.

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> that have to change their mindset from using all resources to save everyone, to using resources on those who “have a chance.”

> that go above and beyond to keep patients company during visitor restrictions.

> that still treat their patients like PEOPLE and not like “cases”.

> that through this all, still have a smile on our faces as we make a difference in the lives of your loved ones, despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

You see, although this isn’t an all-inclusive list of what

bedside nurses are experiencing around the nation, it is just a fragment of how our career has tragically changed our lives in a matter of a few months. What once was a local outbreak in December rapidly became a global pandemic that would change the nursing profession forever.

As confirmed cases continue to rapidly increase in the United States, the public is engulfed by stress and anxiety, and so are nurses. Many nurses have experienced stress and exhaustion before, but the physical, mental, and emotional fatigue that has been brought on by this pandemic is distinctively different.

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the entire world in many different ways and many health care professionals have taken to their social media platforms to share their stories. You may have seen nurses sharing their “battle marks” (or bruises and scars from their respirators), to stories of limited PPE, unethical practices, exposure stories, or sadly, the death of a

colleague. From reading these numerous stories and experiencing it firsthand, I have one thing to say... THANK YOU NURSES for selflessly risking your lives to save someone else’s.

Although we will still be at war with COVID-19 during National Nurses Week, know that our hard work will never go unnoticed and we will never hear that we are “just nurses” again.

HAPPY NURSES WEEK, superheroes! Stay safe and healthy!

Lastly, much gratitude to the outpour of love and support shown by everyone during this tragic time, because even the smallest gesture can make a difference!