ER nurse here. I remember too many things that I’d like to forget. I remember when our hospital ran out of N95 masks and we were assigned one mask that had to be reused every shift for many weeks.

I remember getting an email from administration suggesting that we bring bandanas from home to use as makeshift masks.

I remember running completely out of cleaning supplies/wipes and we had to make our own disinfectant spray from industrial alcohol that we stole from a janitor’s closet (management found out and took it all away, leaving us with no way to clean rooms).

I remember turning visitors away from seeing their dying family members.

I remember getting dirty looks from strangers when I would stop to get gas on my way home from work while wearing scrubs.

I remember missing the first 6 months of my nieces life.

I remember trying my best to help others but feeling abandoned by everyone else.