RALEIGH, N.C. -- Ever since Connie Joyal graduated from the nursing program at Wake Tech in December she has been engaged in the battle against COVID-19.

"We went from orienting from new nurses to this whole pandemic breaking out, having to learn a whole new skill set and being tossed right into the fire. It's been pretty intense,” says Joyal.

Recently she's had to prepare both mentally and physically, and take attentive safety precautions before going into the hospital.

"They screen us before we go in,” Joyal says. “There is a list of screening questions and (they) take our temperature. We receive a sticker every day that shows ... that we are healthy to go in."

Joyal currently works the night shift in the ICU at UNC Rex Hospital, so she regularly treats patients with the coronavirus. She knows the risk, but remains focused and keeps charging forward.

"The fear of it all could make me run and hide. But we have a choice to just show up, do what you can. Do your best, know that it will pass... And so that motivates me, “ Joyal says. “I don't have all the answers, but I have something to offer every day and I can also show up and be present and make a change.