Sanford Health News asked nurses to share their experiences with COVID-19 patients and their reasoning for getting vaccinated. These are Jessica’s words.
I am coming up on my 10-year anniversary as a medical-surgical nurse at Sanford Health in Bemidji.
I was honored to be one of the first people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I didn’t want to endanger other people, and I am so thankful we have a tool to help prevent more people from getting COVID-19. The vaccine makes me feel hopeful.
I have lived in the Bemidji area my whole life. Most of my family lives here. My dad, aunts and uncles are at high risk for COVID-19 complications. They’re all vaccinated. I’m very grateful that my entire family has chosen to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
I told them to get vaccinated as soon as it was available. I wanted them to be healthy and protected.
I got vaccinated because it’s much easier to get a COVID-19 vaccine than it is to fight off the disease. I wanted to prevent myself and others from getting sick. The vaccine helps keep my co-workers and me safe, ensuring we have enough staff and resources to take care of patients.
To everyone who has gotten vaccinated, thank you. Thank you for protecting us.
It is very hard when COVID-19 patients in my care have been unable to see their loved ones to say goodbye. I have acted as a liaison, holding the phone while their family members tell them their final goodbyes. I don’t want that to happen again.
My community members are my friends. They’re my family. I want to protect them.
What concerns me about the delta variant is that it is easier to catch. It’s more contagious. More people who are unvaccinated are getting sick, and younger people are getting sick, too.
If you’re concerned about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, I understand. When I got vaccinated, I researched it. I spoke with doctors and health care professionals I trusted.
This last year and a half, we’ve been afraid. We’ve been hopeful. We’ve come together as a team. Please do your part. You can make a difference by getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Learn more
- Schedule your COVID-19 vaccine
- COVID-19 diary from a pulmonary nurse
- COVID-19 diary from a Sanford nurse
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Posted In Bemidji, COVID-19, Immunizations, Nursing and Nursing Support, Sanford Stories
