Nurses, it’s okay to quit if you don’t have proper protection during this pandemic!

Covid-19 is a morally confronting moment for healthcare workers. It’s INGRAINED in them to put their patients first and they WANT to uphold the integrity of their profession. They didn’t sign up for an easy job and they aren’t inclined to give up easily when things get really rough but the moment I found out that my hospital wasn’t providing PPE to the nurses and doctors, I froze up inside and the idea of volunteering my assistance (since I’m an ex-nurse) died. I have nightmares about neighbors asking me if I’m able to help their loved ones at home who are unable to access healthcare facilities since there are only 3 ventilators at our local hospital. I’m concerned about my friends on the frontline and I’m questioning my own moral code for being unable to take the risks that they are currently taking.

I have several nurse friends that are truly struggling with whether they should stay at work or not (due to the lack of PPE). I would like to take a moment to address those who choose to walk away:

You might be wondering if you’re doing the right thing and perhaps people are judging you right now, accusing you of abandoning your post at a time when your community needs you the most.

I want you to understand that WE GET IT and it’s okay to quit due to a lack of protection.

We cannot know the individual circumstances of every nurse and doctor and what they might have on the line. Some of them are unable to separate from family and have immune-compromised people at home or maybe they are immune compromised themselves. Whatever the case, every person needs to make a decision for themselves and we should refrain from making judgement.

If a firefighter had to save lives, they wouldn’t send them in without protective gear and a nurse should not be expected to walk into a fire unprotected either.

Watch: Nurses are protesting the lack of supplies to fight Covid-19:

THANK YOU to all the healthcare workers and other essential workers who probably don’t get enough recognition. We are grateful for every one of you, no matter what choice you make to safeguard yourself and your loved ones.

Thank you to those who are making personal sacrifices to stay at home and reduce the curve.

Here’s some tips on other things you can do to help: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-to-help-fight-coronavirus-COVID-19/

If you’re in South Africa: https://www.businessinsider.co.za/how-to-fight-the-novel-coronavirus-2020-3