Over 100 YorkU Nursing students thank front line nurses for their dedication to world health in the fight against COVID-19.
First of all, thank you. No one expected the year 2020 to bring the challenge that it has for the world. The year of the nurse has truly taken full form as nurses everywhere rise up to face COVID-19 head on. I believe that now more than ever, people are able to clearly see all of the extraordinary qualities that makes a nurse able to fulfil such an essential role. You not only possess, but also consistently display the qualities of a real leader. Your resilience, empathy, influence, and positivity through this pandemic is being seen and felt by the world in these unsure times. Leadership is about inspiring people to do things that they never thought they could. Your courage and strength is giving so many others the empowerment they need to do their part; including the public, other nurses, and aspiring nurses like myself.
What you’re doing is no small feat – you are fighting a battle for all of us. In the blink of an eye, the dynamic of the nurse’s role in the workplace shifted from having a handful of patients under your care, to having the nation under your care. The sacrifices you’re making, the energy you’re spending, and the time you’re giving extends past hospital walls, past cities, past borders… it is felt everywhere and in every life saved and touched. People are looking towards nurses to be their guide, educator, and support through this ever-changing challenge. There aren’t words expressive and powerful enough to thank you for stepping up to this challenge every single day, and for putting yourself at risk to fight this pandemic with all you’ve got.
Everyone has their own reasons why they became, or want to become, a nurse. Part of my reason is that nurses embody every quality that I hope to manifest in myself and my actions, and in who I want to surround myself with to learn and grow from. Who you are as a person is an inspiration, and what you are doing is seen, recognized, and appreciated by so many. It’s difficult to not be able to do more to help right now, but by doing the safest thing I can do as a nursing student at this time, I’m staying in and studying with more passion than ever to reach the place that I can make the greatest impact. You, and all nurses, are keeping me going in my battle, are keeping COVID-19 patients and their families going through their battle, and are inspiring the entire nation to unite and fight this battle alongside you. Together we will make it through.
Lastly, thank you.
Take care and keep safe,
A.R., York University Nursing student