HALIFAX As we mark National Nursing Week, it gives us a chance to celebrate the crucial role of these health care providers. COVID-19 has been tough on a lot of us – businesses, patients, but also medical professionals. Nurses, especially, are exhausted. Imagine going to work every day knowing you might come in contact with COVID-19. Despite wearing personal protective equipment, you’re fearful you may bring the virus home. Then imagine doing that for more than a year. People are going to work and risking their health to look after people in hospital, in long-term care facilities and in the community, says Janet Hazelton, president of the Nova Scotia Nurses Union.