To continue or to quit..

[CMRose123]

Hey guys, fair warning, there is a little bit of a prelude. I have been a nurse for almost 5 years, and have been working on a CTSICU at a level 1 tertiary center in a major US city for the last year and a half and love it.

My mom is an ER nurse, dad is a deceased ER Dr. I grew up with just my mother and I since my father passed when I was young.

My mother has supported me with any and all of my endeavors, but now that I want to help with this corona pandemic by; either staying here on my unit to help or go travel to areas they need critical care nurses, she begins to say the words things imaginable to hear as a child; “we need to come to the realization we may not ever see one another again.” My mother is 61 years old and does not want to seek acute medical care if she gets exposed and sick.

Sorry for such a lengthy message; but I feel there was a touch of needed context before asking my question. I want to help my fellow HCPs, patients, community, and now my mother pulls me in the opposite direction stating it is a, “suicide mission.”

What are the communities thoughts on all of this? I greatly appreciate any insight and thoughts..again, I apologize for the lengthy post and wish everyone the best of luck in this uncertain, scary time.

[heron, ASN, RN]

It sounds more like your mom is talking about her own demise. I’m 70 years old, myself and I honestly believe that if I contract covid19 that it’s likely to be fatal. Perhaps her issue isn’t as much about what you do as it is about being sick and possibly dying alone.

You have a choice to make, I think.

[CMRose123]

Thank you, Heron, I really greatly appreciate your input.

[ReflectiveRN]

family over professional commitment, stay there with her

[CMRose123]

Thank you, I agree..I am just so torn as she has no comorbidities, other than age, smoking, and potential exposure being a nurse. Probably still the same outcome..?

[heron, ASN, RN]

Why is it an either/or decision? There’s probably plenty of opportunity to help right in your own community that would also let you be there to reassure and support your mom.