I am a traveler on 5A and this is my first travel assignment ever. Before I came here, I was a staff nurse on a 12-bed ICU for 2 ½ yrs and in COVID-19 since day one. In my decision to leave staff nursing for travel nursing, COVID-19 played a huge part. It was not an easy decision for me to make. It sounds selfish, but I needed a break from COVID-19 patients (mainly, all of the death surrounding the virus). I prayed long and hard after receiving notification COVID-19 patients would be admitted to 5A. I prayed for strength, among many other things. There is really no way to ever leave behind what I’ve seen or the emotions I’ve felt.

After much prayer, I reassured myself that I would be able to take care of COVID-19 patients on 5A. Tonight, I was assigned my first COVID-19 patient since leaving staff nursing. I tried to hold myself together, be professional. BUT just like that, I began uncontrollably crying trying to set up the room… If it would not have been for Mary Margaret, I think I would’ve had to ask to leave because I was so unexpectedly emotional. Mary Margaret was so unbelievably comforting and kind to me during my own time of need. She offered to swap patient assignments, which she didn’t have to do. The only time I had met her before this shift was in passing – this was our first shift working side-by-side in a foyer together. Even though she barely knew me, she was still so genuinely caring and kind to me, as if she had known me all of her life. She deserves huge kudos for going above and beyond as a coworker and friend. Also, to all of 5A Night Shift: I have never experienced this kind of genuine, amazing non-stop teamwork, support, and an overall great attitude, from literally everyone, while working as a nurse until I came here. From the bottom of my heart – Thank YOU, I am so blessed to be able to work on this unit with y’all.

Note: This is Mary Margaret's 2nd DAISY Award!