Sophie Whitlock, Hospice and Palliative Care nurse at Bristol Home Care and Hospice, a part of Bristol Health
Sophie experienced firsthand the impact of COVID on our staff and patients. As an active member of the Bristol Health palliative care team, Sophie spent many long hours gowned and masked, meeting with patients and communicating with the families struggling with this pandemic. It took a toll on Sophie and the team as the numbers increased and there seemed to be no end in sight. Sophie is a poet and so she shared this poem with our Bristol Health team and brought many to tears.
Gowned and gloved, face shield in place
Only our eyes to represent our face
Dressed for an enemy we cannot see
We are nurses and we still will be
Your advocate and caregiver through the darkest of days
As the storm unfolds, we will help guide the way
We won’t turn away when you cry
We will be there with you to wipe your eyes
Even though the days are long
Don’t be afraid, we are Nurse Strong
—Sophie Whitlock, BSN, RN, CHPN (2020)