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COVID-19 is taking a toll on nurses. 
This toll was described by Ballad Health officials during their weekly media briefing on Wednesday. 
Allie Williams, a critical care nurse at Johnston Memorial Hospital, shared a tragic story surrounding the virus. She told the love story of Danny and Frazier Frye, a couple who would ultimately test positive for the virus. With the help of Williams and a fellow nurse, Danny was able to be by her side as she took her last breaths.
“It was the sweetest thing we could have ever done, and I’m so glad we were able to be a part of their care,” she said. 
Williams urged that people wear their masks and think of patients like this couple. She also spoke on the toll this has taken on nurses.
“We are strung so thin, physically and emotionally,” she said. “It’s so hard to watch this. Please, wear your mask. Please wash your hands.”
Williams said that not only do people protect themselves when they wear a mask, but also others like Danny and Frazier. 
Next to speak was Lisa Smithgall, Chief Nursing Executive. Smithgall provided more insight into the national nurse shortage, which has been ongoing for years. She said that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 175,000 job openings for registered nurses every year through 2029. The two drivers behind this are the increased need for bedside patient care and impending retirement for many nurses (those born in the 1950s and 1960s), with the lack of RNs available to fill this need. 
Jamie Swift, Chief Infection Prevention Officer, provided insight into quarantines, stating that a negative test does not mean forgoing the time. She explained that the incubation period can be up to 14 days and testing negative could easily turn positive during that time. 
Swift also continued to urge flu vaccinations and other guidelines to lessen the threat of flu season this year. 
Lastly, Eric Deaton, COO, spoke on increases in the virus. He said in the last eight weeks more than 900 patients have been admitted. He also revealed the seven-day positivity rate for the area to be 16.8 percent. The state of Tennessee is at 9 percent. 
“These numbers represent lives,” he said. “And they’re not encouraging. In fact, they’re a tragedy.”
Deaton also presented the latest models related to the virus. While cases are expected to increase over the next couple of weeks, beyond that there is still potential to curve the pandemic. Caution with upcoming holidays and following guidelines is urged. 
Case numbers are updated by the health organization daily in their scorecard. As of Wednesday, Nov. 4, there were 202 hospitalized with the virus, 45 are in the ICU and 24 are on ventilators. There are 10 PUIs. (These numbers change daily). 
For more information on Ballad Health, go to www.balladhealth.org. To contact the Marsh Regional Blood Center for plasma donations (those who have recovered from the virus are highly encouraged to do so) call 423-230-5640.