You are tired. You are fatigued (physically, mentally, and emotionally). Your face literally hurts from the constant use of masks and shields. You’ve lost track of the days (whether you’re inside the hospital or inside your own home). There are days where you sit and cry, wondering why you ever became a nurse in the first place. Your suffering is so overwhelming and oftentimes unbearable.
I know it seems like the worst is already here, yet all we hear is that the worst is yet to come. I know you are TRYING your absolute hardest...for us, for you, and for your patients. I am so forever grateful for the selfless and brave frontliners who serve on the forefront every day and take care of the SICKEST of the sick COVID-19 patients.
It’s a nerve-racking time to be a nurse right now. I know I’m probably safest in the NICU where we are already so on top of hygiene and sanitizing and keeping the unit as clean as possible. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t fear walking through the hospital everyday to get to my unit and taking that risk of potentially exposing myself to COVID-19 and ultimately passing that on to my family and NICU babies.
With time, I know the feeling will subside. And sometimes it’s okay to not be okay! I know that I’ve been distant with my ‘gram lately, so I appreciate those who stuck it out with me while I get through these crazy times at work!
Anybody else have similar thoughts? How are you feeling right now? Let’s chat!