Every nurse matters in this pandemic.

This past two weeks, many nurses have been experiencing higher rates of anxiety and another feeling we are not really talking about.

Guilt. 

Guilt that "I should be doing more" or "I wish I could be of more help."

Whether you are immunocompromised, pregnant, work in a specialty area, or it's been over 10 years since you have worked the floor, I want you to pause. Your guilt is not going to help anyone in this situation. It is only going to steal the pride you should have in the amazing care and things you are doing to help keep patients calm during a scary time.

Healthcare doesn't stop just because there is a pandemic. It adds a layer of complexity that nurses are helping patients navigate on top of everything else. 

OB Nurses we need you and your help for the women bringing their babies into the world. We need you to help anxious parents feel safe, calm, and educated on what they need to do to protect themselves from COVID19.

Oncology Nurses we need you and your help for the people with cancer that are afraid of getting infected or have to wait because their surgery has been put on hold.

Hospice Nurses we need you and your help to keep people who are dying out of a crowded hospital and to help them die with dignity at home with their family members.

NICU Nurses we need you and your help to prevent our youngest and most vulnerable patients from getting sick. 

Telephone Triage Nurses we need you and your help to take phone calls of people who are "symptomatic" but are thankfully calling you first to get advise instead of going to the ER unnecessarily.

New Grad Nurses we need you and your help to face something we have not experienced in our lifetime.

SNF/LTC Nurses we need you and your help caring for the elderly who may not understand why their children are not visiting them right now or who are feeling isolated because their families and loved ones are staying away at this time. 

Nurse Family Members and Friends we need you and your help to educate your friends and family on how to protect themselves from getting sick.

I could go on and on, but I want to say this. Every nurse has a role to play in this pandemic. Every nurse is on the frontline. Every nurse's contribution matters. 

This is the Year of the Nurse & Midwife and I believe this will be one of our finest hours. We are in this together.

I believe in you and all your possibilities,

Mary B.

P.S. Are you struggling with guilt, anxiety and stress right now about going to work during the pandemic? I got you. Sign up for a free coaching session today.