On February 25th in the New York Times, two stories appeared about nurses. Both sobering. Both timely. Both essential.
In my last post, I celebrated the fact that although the pandemic is killing scores of people and putting a strain on resources, including health care personnel, nurses have been in the forefront of the media getting the recognition that they have long deserved. And more nurses are speaking out by telling their stories. Long overdue.
However, the two stories in the NYT need to be read/viewed. One is by Theresa Brown who I have many times spot-lighted here because of her accurate assessment (my view) of nursing issues. A nurse herself, she has been calling attention to the nursing profession in the media and through her books.
Brown’s piece: Covid-19 Is “Probably Going to End My Career,” is an exposé of what is terribly wrong in the profession and what should be done. She writes bravely and honestly about the precarious state of organized nursing.
The second article, One I.C.U. Two nurses with cameras, is written, not by a nurse, but by a photojournalist. He filmed a fifteen-minute video that is raw footage of two nurses working with dying Covid patients in the ICU. Unvarnished, compelling and poignant. It’s a must watch that shows exactly what nurses experience during their shifts.
I’ve attached the links to both essays. The fifteen-minute video is imbedded in both.
Getting Older: Charting the Uncharted 
Marianna—Thanks for this post. I had seen the video, but not the article—which was really great. Glad you shared it. CIndy
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I thought the video was quite powerful and the article added some insight to what happened behind the scenes.
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These are some stories my friend! You are doing such a great job! I have yet to look at the video — later today. I am so glad it is what we used to call “the raws”.
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I found the video difficult to watch in some parts. But the video did show exactly what nurses are going though–something the public needs to see.
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Thank you so very much for sharing, Marianna . Many tears while watching this video. I was thinking if I were in my 20’s I would be there- that’s what nurses do. How different this year has been- so full of anguish and sorrow, yet these wonderful nurses just keep marching on. God bless them all and keep them well. Many prayers that this pandemic will come to an end soon.
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Yes, I am so appreciative of the dedication nurses are showing. This video is a perfect example of what nurses are up against every day. And yes, that’s what nurses do.
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It is so important to share these stories. Thanks so much.
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For obvious reasons during this pandemic, everyone should read/watch these stories.
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It’s funny because I’m not a crier. I haven’t cried at work or going to/coming from work after a shift in COVID ICU. But watching things like this…body wracking sobs. Weird how grief manifests. I wish people understood.
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Thank you for visiting my site. Yes this is a powerful video. Sounds like you’re a nurse who works with COCID patients. Thanks for all the you do. I am happy nurses are making their contributions available to the media more frequently and that the media is looking to show what nurses do so well.
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Yes ma’am. My pleasure. It’s my privilege to serve…but as I know many will agree, it’s a slap in the face to have the narrative coopted by politics and be told it’s not that bad and that our firsthand experience means nothing. Blogs like this and pieces like the ones mentioned in your post help combat that tragic and insulting narrative. Keep sharing!
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I agree. Nurses must be aware of the political effort to downplay our contributions to health care.
I just heard a few minutes ago that my letter to the editor was accepted for publication in tomorrows NC News & Observer that supports independent Advanced Nursing practice in this state. We are the 4th worst state for Health Care in the nation.
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Oh how wonderful! Congratulations! About your letter to the editor, not the state of ANP in your state.
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Thanks so much for sharing Theresa Brown’s NYT article! I had seen the video but not this article. I remember reading her book, Critical Care, in nursing school and I’m glad to see that she continues to shine a light on and advocate for the nursing profession!
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