The world is facing hardships not seen since generations past; we are in the midst of a pandemic. Each individual is facing their own difficulties in coping with challenges we are facing today. Nurses are no exception. We appreciate the efforts taken to protect us by the masses staying at home; we are asking for your help once again. The working conditions every nurse faces day in and day out are becoming exponentially hazardous.

We are coming to work every day knowing that we may not have the protections necessary to keep ourselves safe from this virus while we continue to care for your loved ones. Hesitation is not in our vocabulary when it comes to the well-being of our patients. Nurses are foregoing contact with their own families to ensure that your families have the best chance of survival during this historic time.

Nurses face unprecedented obstacles while caring for an ever increasing number of patients; this patient population is sicker than we are accustomed to treating. We are wearing equipment for a minimum of 12 hours a day that is marring our faces. There is no preparation for these kinds of working conditions. Nurses are facing burnout rates faster than ever because of the severity of the situation. We are dying to save you, literally. 

We are asking University of Chicago to recognize our efforts with more than just words. Other Chicago-land hospitals are proud to compensate their nursing staff in efforts to show their appreciation for their front line staff. Please help us convince University of Chicago that the nurses who create the Forefront of Medicine are just as dedicated and worthy of the same recognition.