Making the Best of the Time We Have
By: American Nurses Association
I love science and I truly want to help people. I put my love for those two things together and became the best of both worlds — a nurse.
When COVID-19 reached my community, I knew that because I am a nurse, I would be on the frontlines. Even though it can be incredibly tough, I’ve experienced rewarding moments, like knowing that my patients feel secure, taken care of, and not afraid.
I try not to feel afraid for my patients or worry too much. For example, I know that I can limit my exposure by washing my hands frequently and not touching my face. Honestly, I was most worried that I would bring COVID-19 home to my kids. I would take my uniform off before I came inside my home and showered before they could touch me.
COVID-19 is real and it’s serious, and if it has taught me one thing, it’s to be more aware — aware that life is short and that we need to make the best of it while we can. The only advice that I can offer anyone from the frontlines is to stay home as much as you can. If you have to go out, wash, wash, wash your hands all the way up to your elbows.
The funding from the American Nurses Foundation has helped tremendously. Like many people, I missed work because a family member was diagnosed with COVID-19. The funding enabled me to transition back to work with a lot more ease.
I’m grateful for the American Nurses Foundation. I think a lot of people have realized that we (nurses) deserve a lot more credit than we’ve gotten in the past. We truly are first responders and I’m grateful that there is help out here specifically for nurses because honestly, sometimes I feel that we’re unappreciated.
What people don’t see is what happens behind the scenes of those of us on the frontlines. We’re like everyone else — some of us continued to work, some of us lost our jobs, and some of us were impacted directly by COVID-19.
Thank you, American Nurses Foundation. I don’t know how to even begin to express how much gratitude I feel. This means more than you know.
Please give today to the Coronavirus Response Fund, so we can help every nurse combat the mental, emotional, physical and financial stress this pandemic has caused.
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