A Nurse’s Perspective on COVID-19

You are now used to seeing us in gloves, masks, gowns, face shields and other personal protective equipment that we wear in the hospital; they are supposed to protect nurses from being infected with COVID-19, but they do not shield us completely.

Nothing can protect our hearts from the pain and anguish we feel watching COVID-19 patients at SMMC suffer and die from this terrible virus.

Since the pandemic reached us more than 18 months ago, many nurses here have worked long hours treating patients who are extremely ill with this disease. The reality is that the work is exhausting, scary and heartbreaking.

The emotional toll is real and has hit particularly hard as the Delta Variant surge has swept through our community. It’s an especially frustrating and discouraging feeling to see unvaccinated patients suffer and die from a disease they could have prevented or minimized.

And the collateral damage has far-reaching effects as well, as we try to transfer patients to facilities for services we are not equipped to provide at SMMC. We have made desperate attempts to secure transfers for patients with strokes and heart attacks so that they could have access to specialists and a higher level of care, only to be told by every hospital contacted that they are “at capacity and not accepting transfers.” We are very blessed to have the competent medical staff that has adapted on a daily basis to care for these patients, but it’s hard not to feel defeated when you know your patients deserve more.

Our nursing team continues to stay committed because we love this community. The bottom line is we care about people. Unfortunately, the situation for COVID-19 patients can be grim. Many COVID-19 ICU patients do not survive. That means we witness the very worst this disease brings. We hold patients’ hands as they struggle to breathe. We stay with them when they are intubated and put on a ventilator, and we are often the last voice they will hear.

In addition, we also experience “differences of opinions” from friends and family members who don’t believe that the threat of COVID-19 is serious. We have patients and their loved ones lash out at us in fear and denial about the virus. And although we are professionals trained to comfort and treat the ill, this pandemic is more than we could have ever prepared.

We feel the trauma — for the patients, families and personally — from the whole experience, one in which no one is to blame but a virus. We all cope differently with how this virus has affected us. Right now, every day is just another day in this pandemic, with no permanent end in sight. Although we are tired, it doesn’t stop us from hoping for a better tomorrow. I’m proud that we are doing everything we can, and I hope others will join us.

Our team needs the community’s support. Getting a vaccine is the best way to support us.

And while COVID-19 vaccines will not yet eliminate all viral infections, data shows that you will have a 93% chance of avoiding severe illness and hospitalization if vaccinated. We think those are pretty good odds.

Please, stay healthy, friends!