Faces of the Fight from Samantha Leason, RN: With every right comes responsibility
By Samantha Leason, Registered Nurse in Prince Albert and Melfort
It’s time.
I’ve stayed silent, respected people’s choices, and supported those through times of need. But the other night, as I sat at my kitchen table and my partner asked me how my day was, it was all I could do not to burst into tears. I knew enough was enough.
My colleagues and all health-care workers have gone above and beyond during this pandemic, and what do we get in return? Self-proclaimed experts who think they know more about virology and herd immunity than medical experts, rioting outside hospitals, making it impossible for people to get the care they need.
Yes, it is your right to choose what goes into your body, but with every right comes responsibility. If you choose not to get vaccinated or follow public health orders, be prepared to accept the responsibilities and consequences, which are staying home and not being allowed to do certain things as you pose a threat to transmitting the disease.
Vaccine passports are not new. Since 2013, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required to enter multiple countries around the world. I personally keep mine in my passport since traveling to Kenya in 2014.
The health-care system has been bursting at the seams for years. It cannot handle the influx of pandemic patients. And what really upsets me are people who have chosen not to vaccinate themselves STILL seeking our services when they develop symptoms and panic because all of a sudden, it’s affecting them. And we bite our tongues and we help you even though we want to say, “I TOLD YOU SO.”
Large and small hospitals are running out of staff to care for you and your loved ones. Travel nurses from across the country are being flown in. We are working short, not taking breaks, only peeing once in 12 hours and potentially making more mistakes due to these conditions.
You trust us health-care professionals in all other areas of your life, but for some reason, think COVID-19 is a conspiracy or we don’t know what you’re talking about. We DO know what we are talking about. We are STILL trying to save each and every one of you.
We are tired. Please get vaccinated. Care for others. It’s not all about you. Please do your part to end this pandemic.
