To My Fellow Nurses, From Meredith

My Fellow Nurses,

This week I reflected on how I am grateful I am to be part of the nurse profession, a brave group of ethical professionals. I worked this week next to people who had babies only a few months old, who had multiple young children, some had older parents, others were over 60 themselves, others were still in their teens, and yet they all came selflessly to care for patients with COVID 19, facing death. Some were working shifts until 2AM, and others coming in at 2AM to relieve them, while others worked double shifts. There were more than dozens of people unable to work, but patients don’t stop coming just because there is short staffing. Patients are also hurting, missing family, feeling trapped in rooms with closed doors, feeling so alone.  Many of us feel isolated, but we get to go home. Some nurses have been attacked on social media because they worked at a facility with COVID19 patients, and their neighbors were afraid they would bring sickness to their home community, even though the nurse wore a mask. However, I also heard that in Waikiki at 7PM nurses are cheered every day for their bravery going in to face this war on COVID19.

I came home Friday and enjoyed the brief evening of nice weather by a small bonfire, had a glass of wine next to my husband, and looked up at the stars. We are so small. I thanked God for my wonderful community that restores my soul when I am weary, for the friends that listen when I am sad, and also who share the victories that many are healing. I have gratitude for a man who loves me, and my pets who love me, and a warm home, and plenty of food. Though I greatly miss my daughter who is at high risk caring for patients in Colorado, and my grandchildren who I have not seen for so very long; I am happy that they are healthy. We are not alone in this pandemic. We may be more separate than usual, but this too will pass, and we can help keep one another safe.

Nurses see people at their most challenging times, their darkest hours. We can be a light in the darkness to anyone around us. Our light of letting someone know they are cared about, that they are loved, that they do not have to go through this alone, matters. This is a time to remember the importance of love and compassion for others, and also for ourselves. Yes, we are tired and weary of this long nightmare, and seeing others in anguish; but this is not the end.

We are learning from this, and something good is coming from it. Practically, Covid19 may slow climate change as less people travel and greenhouse gases in America in 2020 drop to their lowest levels in three decades, which puts us back on track to meet original commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement. The world is learning to recognize that we are in this together, resulting in more planetary communication. Individuals are learning to have gratitude for the small things. When this is over, we will not take for granted again those close hugs, kisses, and holding the hand of a friend as we walk together. We are learning that love, compassion, and family are more important than money. I believe this knowledge changes our culture, and perhaps only this pain helps our culture recognize how to prioritize more wisely for future generations.

Please wear a mask. Be safe. I am thankful for you, & cheer you. I pray and advocate for your protection.

Meredith Roberts

ANA-VT Executive Director