Since the outbreak of COVID-19, nurses worldwide have been pushed far beyond their limits. Before their day’s shift, nurses were finding themselves asking the same questions: “is this the day I get the virus?” or worse, “Is this the day I bring it home to my family?” 

Within days, some of the patients/residents in their facilities began dying due to COVID-19. Within mere weeks, some of their co-workers fell sick and even died from their own struggle with COVID-19. 

This caused nurses and certified nursing assistants to work extra shifts, to fill in staffing gaps for former co-workers, on other floors (units), where now, they could be at risk for further exposure to COVID. To top that, it seems as if once we believe we are (finally) able to put COVID-19 behind us when, it reemerges. 

Wonder why nurses are called heroes?  Or, as I believe, “most nurses qualify for sainthood.” 

Recognizing the above, I believe it is essential, that we all make it a point to take a moment to say to our nurses “You are very much appreciated.” And especially say a big “thank you for that all each one of you do,” to nurses everywhere. So please do so, to honor them during this year’s National Nurse Week (May 6-12).  You can do so by sending a card to a nurse or team of nurses, by means of their facility’s nurses station, even, where your loved had passed.

Thanks for joining me in this worthy effort.

Ralph Poland
Auburn