NORTH CAROLINA — Nursing students who graduated in 2020 played a pivotal role as frontline workers during the pandemic. They are also playing an essential role filling nursing shortages that started before COVID-19.
Colin Wilson used to work a 9-to-5 desk job at a logistics company. After several years in the business, he knew it wasn’t for him. He started nursing school and graduated in May 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I really wanted to be more hands-on and help people get better,” Wilson says.
Wilson’s career change turned to play a bigger role in public health than he expected. He was hired at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville. He was assigned to the fifth floor to treat COVID-19 patients.
“I remember the first time I saw a COVID-19 patient. I was actually a CNA and everyone was really worried,” Wilson says. “People didn’t want to go into the room.”
But somebody has to take care of these patients and that is exactly what Wilson does. Before he enters the room of a patient who is COVID-19 positive, he has to put on a disposable gown, an N-95 mask, and double up on gloves.
“I remember the first time I went in there. I told my wife I went in a COVID-19 room today,” Wilson says. “She was worried, but nothing came of it. I wore my PPE, and I was safe.”
Life has also been different for nurses when they go home. Kelsey Young is a nurse at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord. On her off days she helps take care of her grandparents and has to be careful before entering the house.
“As soon as I get home, I immediately change out of scrubs and make sure that I am not bringing that into my home environment as best as possible and cleaning as much as possible,” Young says.
Young graduated from Chamberlain University College of Nursing in November 2020 and just started working in January.
“It was really important and inspiring that we were graduating at a time to provide health on the front lines,” Young says.
Young works in the gastroenterology part of the hospital. She doesn’t deal with COVID-19 patients directly, but still has to be extra careful.
“We have to check our temperature before we arrive at work, then you have to take a screening on our phone to confirm you have no symptoms,'' Young says. “At work I have to wear protective glasses and a mask.”
The two nurses are playing a pivotal role filling nursing shortages happening across the country. Wilson says he made the right career change and has advice for others going through nursing school.
“Remember the reason that you wanted to become a nurse,” Wilson says. “You are in it to help other people. Be a good nurse and that is what is going to happen.”