Seattle hospital staff reflect on their coronavirus fight

Landi Tillis, a nurse in the acute care resource team that cares for COVID-19 patients at the University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake in Seattle, Washington, April 15, 2020. "I got to discharge a 74-year-old patient a few days ago who was Covid positive and intubated for almost two weeks. I’ve never seen a smile so full of gratitude as he was wheeled out," she says.

Basak Coruh, a pulmonary and critical care physician that serves COVID-19 patients. "It's a privilege to care for the sickest patients in our community with COVID-19 and I couldn't be prouder of our team," she says.

Andre Mattus, a patient care technician in the emergency department that works as a "dofficer" to help colleagues safely doff their personal protective equipment. "Doffing PPE is the most hazardous part of our care as this is when we risk accidentally contaminating ourselves. I help doctors and nurses stay safe so that we can continue to care for our community," he says.

Nicole Scovil, a nurse in oncology. "These past couple weeks have been exceptionally scary for our patients since nearly all of them have no immune system. I'm really missing patients I haven't been able to visit, as they're high risk and I work with Covid patients," she says.

Jonathan Sham, a physician in surgical oncology. "We are called to take care of the patients with cancer who can't wait until after the pandemic to get treatment, he says."

Lauren Bloom, a nurse in oncology. "Honoured to serve during this exceptionally difficult time," she says.

Skylar Tucker, assistant nurse manager in the Center for Reconstructive Surgery. "This nice weather along with long walks outside with my dog have kept me sane," she says.

Kaitlyn McDow, an ICU nurse who works with COVID-19 patients. "Our patients are on ventilators. It's the last stop on either getting better or passing on," she says.

Alex Vengerovsky, an ICU physician caring for COVID-19 patients. "Recognizing the team effort," he says.

Rebecca Fulford-Foster, a pharmacy technician that provides medication for patients. "I personally have three high-risk people in my life that I'm worried every day I might bring this home to," she says.

Alexandra Mariani, a nurse in oncology working with COVID-19 patients. "I've been a nurse for four months. I wonder what it means for me to spend such a formative period in my career this way," she says.

Celyn Pepino, an interventional radiology technologist. "I love what I do. I get to be a part of an amazing organization that cares for its employees, patients, community," she says.

Amanda Peters, a medical assistant in the emergency department. "I am a new graduate and I'm extremely happy to lend a hand during this crisis," she says.

Arielle Trumble, a nurse in the operating room that works to educate colleagues on how to work with COVID-19 cases. "I have a duty of care. We're prepared for the worst as we hope for the best," she says.

Zahra Ali, an ICU nurse caring for COVID-19 patients. "Support local businesses," she says.

Kim Greaves, a nurse in nephrology who has been redeployed to the emergency department. "I am so proud to be a nurse and happy to help out where I can," she says.

Claire Hallock, a nurse at the University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake in Seattle. "The resiliency of both the staff and our patients is remarkable during this time of uncertainty," she says.

Jamie Peterson, a nurse on the acute care resource team. "I am proud that UWMC leadership has our backs and supports every staff member," she says.

Sumalee Kraisuwan, a post-anesthesia care unit nurse. "Cannot wait for surgery restriction to be done," she says.

Luna Martinez, a nurse working in COVID-19 acute care. "I am a new grad nurse and it has been a challenging but rewarding time to begin my nursing career," she says.

Elena Smith, a surgical nurse. "Thank you for supporting our teams," she says.