( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Demand For Travel Nurses Continue in Lieu of Pandemic
ENSPIRE Contributor: LaShonda Thompson
Veronica Simmons, a Tennessee Valley Travel Nurse, shared her year-long experience caring for COVID-19 patients and providing support to low-staffed hospitals throughout the United States. Simmons says what she saw day in and day out was terrifying and often handled with limited staff and resources. For over a year now, she has worked in some of the hardest-hit states, California, Arizona, New York, and Texas.
When asked, what was the most challenging assignment she has had so far, Simmons stated, “She’ll never forget her experience working Bronxcare Lebanon in New York at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. The entire hospital’s population was COVID patients.” Simmons continues saying, “A lot of the patients were terminal, and families were not allowed in the hospital. That wasn’t easy knowing that a lot of them would pass away without saying the last goodbyes to loved ones.”
COVID-19 took the world by storm, a virus with no found origin – a mysterious virus. First responders, medical professionals, families, funeral homes, and the world experienced true devastation. In the United States alone, there have been over a half million lives lost.
Simmons says the experience taught her a lesson about true teamwork, kindness, and people’s resilience. She will continue to travel and support her fellow nurses on the continued fight to eradicate COVID-19. Simmons says, “I just feel compelled to help others and do my part in saving lives; if I don’t do my part, what’s the point of me being a nurse.” Risking her health for the health of others, Simmons continues to pack her bags and travel wherever she finds a need.
ENSPIRE Magazine recognizes and is thankful for the hard work and dedication of those who have stood on the front line and those continuing to hold the line.
