A Donegal nurse has revealed her true fears and feelings as Ireland is gripped by the coronavirus pandemic.
In an open letter, the local nurse has appealed for prayers and support for all healthcare staff as they face their biggest challenge.
Despite the daily dread that she may be putting family at risk, she echoes the pledge that so many healthcare heroes have made this month – to care for the people we love.
Read the full letter here:
I sit here today contemplating how life as I know it has now changed forever.
I know I am not alone. We all feel this uncertainty in every home.
For me I am a wife and mother. I am also a Nurse, A frontline Healthcare Worker facing this pandemic alongside my colleagues.
They say a mother’s job is to protect her children. A nurse’s job is to care for the sick. Now every day I leave for work I am filled with total dread that the profession I love is putting my family at risk. The guilt bestowed upon me is excruciating.
Never in a million years did I ever think we would be in this situation.
I know the majority of my colleagues are working mums too.
This week in preparation we are all taking drastic steps in a bid to keep our families safe and reduce the risk of contracting this virus ourselves. Some are moving out of home while others cannot afford to do that. Every body part is scrubbed and disinfected as much as humanly possible. 13-hour days wearing PPE is horrendous but so necessary. We pray it safe guards us while caring for our patients.
Nursing in 2020 is very surreal and scary in the current times. I believe our Government Officials and our Health Minister have a better understanding for our profession. Indeed a new appreciation is evident however long it may last..
Judging by the figures presented by the National Public Health Emergency Team the peak of this pandemic has not hit yet. Therefore, it is imperative those who DO NOT need to leave home for essential work remain indoors. It’s our only hope.
Life before this pandemic was hectic and so busy. Now is the perfect time to slow down, appreciate the simple things in life. Enjoy your children, however much they drive you mad. I understand there is only so many times you can hear I’m bored!!. But I tell you the truth I’d give anything to remain indoors every day with my children. Unfortunately, my profession does not afford me that luxury.
Our hospitals are beginning to fill up now. We are already running low on PPE, that frightens me to the very core especially when 1 in 4 Healthcare workers are directly affected by this virus as well. That is a staggering statistic therefore the importance of protecting staff is paramount. It has not gone unnoticed the outpouring of help and support from the public in obtaining sufficient supplies. We are eternally grateful to you all. So, thank you from every single Healthcare worker in Ireland.
In our own corner here in Donegal people are always so thoughtful and generous. It really is so heart-warming especially at a time like this. Please pray for us all as we continue our fight against Covid 19.
I stand as a nurse and pledge to continue to look after your loved ones to the best of my ability.
I will comfort and reassure your grandparents parents siblings children and friends every hour of every shift until these dark days become bright again.
To my own family. My husband and children please love me more now
I never want to put any of you in harm’s way. I will do all I can to keep us all safe.
Sincerely
Health care Worker