x
Breaking News
More () »

Atlanta nurse describes first of many tough days during COVID-19 outbreak: I never know what I’m walking into

“Today for the first time I cried because I found my strength," Jenny Accarino said in a Facebook post.

ATLANTA — An Atlanta ICU nurse detailed her personal experience working in the hospital during the coronavirus outbreak. Dozens in the area and around the country are expressing their heartfelt admiration within the original thread.

“Today for the first time I cried because I found my strength. Today, I just got done working 4 shifts in a row and as soon as my shift ended, I just wanted to go back,” Jenny Accarino, a nurse wrote on April 2 in a Facebook post.

“Crazy, I know. Especially how tough it’s been being in the ICU. This is just the beginning of many many hard days. I never know what I’m walking into. We have little supply, burnt out and scared staff (I’m one of them) and I’m trying not to breathe in my enemy,” she added.

As hundreds throughout the state are being tested for the virus, if a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, it's important for them to be isolated. It's an attempt to prevent others from getting sick. In some cases, family members have only gotten to speak with their loved ones over the phone.

RELATED: Atlanta teen creates service that pays for meals of hospital staff


Many healthcare professionals are also isolated from their own families, working long hours and racing the clock during the crisis.

“However, today I didn’t want to leave my patient. I want to see them get better. I’m praying on it. I want to be there when they do. I want to say ‘you did it, you beat COVID’ and I want that victory for my coworkers, doctors and most importantly for them and their family who can’t be there,” Accarino wrote.

RELATED: Sewing support: 11-year-old creates masks for healthcare workers in need

The Atlanta nurse added that although the journey has been tough, she is honored to be in the profession.

“I’m learning so much everyday. We will survive this,” she wrote. “Thank you everyone for all the support and supporting one another. THANK YOU to my coworkers, we are all in this together. Be kind, be patient, stay home and take care of one another. I promise to do my best.”

Today for the first time I cried because I found my strength. Today, I just got done working 4 shifts in a row and as soon as my shift ended, I just wanted to go back. Crazy, I know. Especially...

MORE FROM 11ALIVE |

Watch live: White House Coronavirus Task Force updates public

Coronavirus in Georgia: Number of confirmed cases surpasses 9,100 with 348 deaths

These are the coronavirus hot spots in Georgia

Tracking COVID-19: Georgia Coronavirus Interactive map

Close north Georgia state parks, commissioners urge Gov. Kemp

This is a breakdown of Georgia's coronavirus-related deaths

Before You Leave, Check This Out