‘I hold your granny’s hand…’ Meath nurse pens incredible poem about working during #Covid-19

"It's 7am and I put on my scrubs..."

A Meath nurse has penned an incredible poem about her experiencing working on Covid-19 wards and eventually contracting the virus herself. Rebecca Elliot has been working in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda amid the coronavirus pandemic. She qualified to become a nurse just 18 months ago. Like many frontline workers, the 23 year old contracted the virus and was forced to self isolate from her family. During this time, she wrote a deeply emotive poem about her experience working on the wards, watching the sick say goodbye to their loved ones who could not be there with them. Rebecca's poem was originally shared on on the Support for Nurses, Midwives and Frontline Staff in Ireland  Facebook page, where it has garnered much appreciation from users. You can read Rebecca's poem in full below.

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It’s 7am and as I put on my scrubs, I worry about lives, Yet some worry about pubs... Will they reopen, Or will they stay closed? I fight on the frontline, No doubt I’m exposed To a monster so deadly, Like a sniper at war, Killing thousands a day, It’s hard to ignore. We put on our armour To look after our patients Fighting for breath, No exaggeration. I hold your granny's hand, Her lips turning blue, As she looks up into my face, Masked by goggles and an FFP2. Her life has come to an end, It’s the last breath she’s taken, Covid... the cause of a sleep to which she will never awaken. On the phone I tell her daughter, “Mam's life has come to an end” Now time to plan a funeral, To which only 10 can attend A tickle in my throat, A pain in my head, 3 weeks later, I’m confined to my bed. My phone lights up, Ringing and ringing... A strangers voice on the line, “Is this miss Elliott?” “Yes, speaking?” I was given the news, Somewhat unexpected... The swab result came back, With “Covid detected” Now my family must distance, At least 2 meters away. So to keep them all safe, Locked in room, I must stay. But I am not the first, And I won’t be the last... But one thing is for sure.. I will kick Covid’s ass.