Nebraska Nurse Begs Residents to Take Coronavirus Seriously as Cases Pass 100,000

An exhausted nurse fighting the coronavirus pandemic in Nebraska recorded a video asking local residents to wear masks and take the virus “seriously,” as positive cases passed 100,000 in the state on November 16.

“I have seen so many emergent intubations,” said Lacie Gooch, an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse who works for Nebraska Medicine, in a video she recorded after a 12-hour shift — her third of the week — which was shared by Nebraska Medicine on November 17. “They just drop so fast,” Gooch said.

Nebraska is one of the states hardest hit on a per capita basis. The number of hospitalized patients with the virus is nearing 1,000, and the state is running low on ICU beds. As of November 17, at least 827 people have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Despite the rising toll, Nebraska Gov Pete Ricketts has not imposed a mask mandate.

Gooch said she struggled to give patients the care they deserved because of the safety precautions and PPE required before approaching those sickened with the virus.

“I leave with marks all over my face from the N95 mask that I am required to wear,” she said. “We’re understaffed, we have so much on our plates as nurses, there’s not enough of us to help.” Credit: Nebraska Medicine via Storyful