COVID-19: Why U.S. nurses fear for their lives

COVID-19

COVID-19: WHY U.S. NURSES FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES(PHOTO: Instagram)

GUEST: Zenei Cortez, a registered nurse and co-president of National Nurses United – the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S..

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spike in the United States, hospitals and other facilities are flooded beyond capacity with new patients. A great many in late stages of the virus – needing critical care.

But shortages of basic Personal Protective Equipment, such as masks and gowns, have forced nurses and other health professionals to treat those infected – without protection from the disease, themselves.

As a result, hundreds have contracted coronavirus from their duties. And a growing number of those – have died.

As emotional voices of nurses, doctors, and others working these conditions grow louder. Their conflict is clear:

Should those tirelessly committed to healing the sick also be forced to choose between their duty – and their own lives and safety?

With us to speak about the life threatening burden being placed on nurses, and other healthcare workers in the United States, is Zenei Cortez. She’s a registered nurse and co-president of National Nurses United, the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S..