ENA Stories: Front-Line ED Nurses Describe Impact of COVID-19
April 29, 2020 • COVID-19 ENA Foundation
New ENA videos aim to raise awareness of, generate support for, emergency nurses during pandemic
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (April 29, 2020) – Whether working long hours treating COVID-19 patients, worrying about staying healthy, keeping their loved ones safe or simply trying to make ends meet, emergency nurses have faced – and stepped up to meet – many challenges during this ongoing public health crisis.
ED Nurses on the COVID-19 Front Line - a new video series released by the Emergency Nurses Association – provides a personal glimpse into the emotions and realities faced by nurses who remain committed to care amid the demands caused by a global pandemic. These stories aim to raise public awareness about emergency nurses and to generate much-needed support for them.
"With so much uncertainty in the world today, emergency nurses have the ability to be a stabilizing force in our communities," said ENA President Mike Hastings, MSN, RN, CEN. "What cannot be overlooked is that every ED nurse is also human. Each one must cope with COVID-19 on not just a professional level, but in their personal lives - and they are worried. Now, more than ever, they need the public's support."
The three featured nurses strike a tone of resolve and concern:
- “There this internal conflict between protecting yourself, but also having to go out there and save lives. My fear is getting sick and not being able to pay rent, not being able to pay bills … and just feeling helpless.” – Norma
- “I am scared. COVID-19 affects me every day because I’m afraid of bringing this home to my son.” – Laura
- “Going forward into battle caring for people in the worst situations is something I know how to do. We need the public to recognize that we are always going to put you first, but we also want to have the resources so that we can remain alive.” – Jaqualin
The videos also encourage viewers to visit ena.org/together to learn more about the variety of ways to support emergency nurses, including financial contributions to the ENA Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund or simply by sending a message of appreciation through a virtual thank you card.
Each video is available for viewing, download and use by visiting the ENA Press Room.
###
