Nurses speak of coronavirus challenges on International Nurses Day
Today is International Nurses Day and tonight, we can also show our appreciation for their part in fighting coronavirus, by shining a light from our windows at 8.30 pm.
Two nurses from Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham have been facing the biggest challenge of their nursing careers.
Ward sister Kara Wesley said: "It's been tough but it's our job. It's something we do day in and day out we try not to take it home with us."
She said: "Some things do touch and it's hard to not let it get to you".
Despite the pandemic, Sister Wesley says 'Clap for Carer's has been an "amazing" tribute adding that it "brings a tear to your eye knowing that people appreciate you".
The national salute has taken place every Thursday evening to honour the NHS staff working hard through the coronavirus outbreak.
Gemma Mc Cormack, who is also a ward sister says in the beginning she was very worried by the pandemic.
She said: "I was very anxious and frightened, I really did worry about how it was going to be. I think that now, -okay- we don't know what every day is going to bring but I think we're better at facing it now."
Meanwhile, tributes are being paid across the Midlands. Coventry University has hailed its student nurses who are serving with the NHS on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.
And Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s chief nurses said: “There are over 9700 highly skilled nurses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland working in a wide variety of roles and locations, including in hospitals, in the community, in GP practices and in clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). You all thoroughly deserve to be congratulated for the contribution you make to our local health service."
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