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Would you want to be a nursing student during COVID-19? I am one and these are my experiences during my final clinical placement in a high-risk environment.
I have seen the impact on registered nurses’ mental and physical health. I can see the tired, exhausted look on their faces. I have witnessed staff shortages, increased patient assignments, co-worker harassment, missed breaks, denied vacation requests and overtime simply to provide minimal staffing quota.
I have donned and doffed my personal protective equipment since the beginning of the pandemic more times than I can count. It has kept my patients, my family, the people I worked with and myself safe.
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Gatineau Parkway was created for the enjoyment of all citizens and funded by taxpayer dollars with the sole purpose of bringing people into the park. Last summer was the first time in more than 60 years that motor vehicles and bikes did not have equal access. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Capital Commission announced a pilot project to close the Gatineau Parkway to motor vehicles during May and June, restricting access to “active users” only: people who enjoy walking, running, biking and other outdoor activities.
As a native of Ottawa and former National Hockey League player, I have used Gatineau Park, its trails, lakes and parkway system extensively my entire life as it was instrumental to my off-season training. I am also the only deaf player in the history of the NHL. When cycling, I do not wear hearing aids because of the windy “snow” sound, plus perspiration “shorts out” hearing aids. For safety, I ride on bicycle paths wherever