COVID

WE have been the ones wearing PPE; sweating; watching our coworkers fall ill; picking up extra shifts; crying wherever no-one sees us; telling families their loved ones will die; fighting until the end. As nurses we must stand together at our facilities as they beg us not to leave. We see the codes, the gasping for air, the pain. We are nurses. 

How many patients have asked me if they are going to die in the past two years? 

Too many to count.

How many have I had to watch speak to me than die on a ventilator? 

Too many to count.

This is war and for us, a war of the mind.  It is a war the people who don't take care of the sickest of the sick don't get to see. It is a private war; ravaged on those most inflicted by this virus.

It is our war. The world's war, but seemingly only viewed through filtered glasses.

If we choose, our families may know about the struggles.
If we choose, only who confide in knows the struggles.

Instead, we keep it inside.

Please, let us know what we're worth.

Do not forget us, do not take us for granted.

We ARE strong.

We ARE nurses.