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What It’s Like to Be a Nurse During a Pandemic
I have been a nurse for almost ten years, and I’ve never seen anything like the COVID-19 outbreak. I’ve been hearing the news since late December, and by February, events around me started to get canceled. By early March, it became clear that the situation was spiraling out of control.
While some countries sprang into action against the virus, various agencies in the USA seemed to sit on their hands. Widespread testing was not available for months. According to my primary care office, I still can’t get tested, even if I’m exposed to a COVID-19 patient, unless I’m “hospitalized for serious illness.” A drive-up testing center is opening next week, but it’s 90 miles away.
I realize I’m luckier than most. I can still work, unlike so many who have been furloughed or become unemployed.
Many nurses are working in emergency rooms or ICUs without adequate protective equipment. Hospitals are firing staff who speak to the press about the conditions they’re working in. I’ve heard about nurses and doctors who have died after being exposed to COVID-19 at work.
Workplaces have made some changes. For years, I’ve been arguing that I should be able to do some of my administrative work from home. In late March, I was finally given the authorization to pack up my laptop and work from home.
