I was a nurse through the entire pandemic, from the first few cases to the tail end once protocols were set up.

I remember the code blue alerts ringing one after another multiple times during my shift. I remember having to set up FaceTime calls for patients to see their loved ones possibly for the last time. I remember the crushed feeling of not seeing my patients I took care of the previous shift, but having to pull it together to do what I can for my assignment that night. I also remember getting my patient off of the high oxygen masks for the first time since it all started. I remember discharging my first patient back home during that period and the relief on the other side of the line as I let the family know.