Nurse Viorica Purice calls for solidarity in the fight against COVID-19

“I hope to return to my colleagues soon to continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” says senior nurse Viorica Purice, who works in the intensive care unit of the Municipal Clinical Hospital for Children No. 1 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.

Viorica is currently staying at a medical facility, where she was admitted after having been infected with COVID-19 by a mother who had recently given birth and whose baby she was caring for during a night shift.

“At the first symptoms of the disease, I called the ambulance, but I had already infected my own daughter. We underwent treatment in different facilities and have both recovered – now I want to return to my home and my work,” says Viorica.

Humanity and solidarity as guiding forces

“After I was infected, I was deeply saddened by people’s stigmatizing attitude in my village, towards my family and myself. Despite being afraid, we should be guided by our humanity and show solidarity towards one another. Joint efforts are essential to defeat this disease and we must all work united against our common enemy, COVID-19. We will get through these difficult times, together.

“I’m also very grateful for the WHO medical and technical guidance, especially on infection prevention and control for us health-care workers: knowledge in times of health emergencies like COVID-19 is a powerful instrument,” said Viorica.

Viorica’s 17-year-old daughter, Andreia, described her experience at the Emilian Cotaga Children’s Hospital: “During the 2 weeks I spent here, I was impressed by the support I received from nurses and doctors – they replaced my family during this time. Thanks to their care, I have become twice as strong as I was when I arrived”.

Viorica is one of 18 000 nurses currently working against COVID-19 in the Republic of Moldova. She has not only first-hand knowledge of the supply shortages, sudden influxes of patients and long working hours, but also of the personal risks to nurses’ health, but is eager to return to work nonetheless.

“I consider myself to be patient, compassionate and respectful of patients and colleagues and try to place the common good above my own. I miss my colleagues and the fast pace of my job, where every second matters to a child’s life.”

30 years dedicated to nursing

“I became a nurse because I always wanted to help wherever I was needed. As a child, I was fascinated by nurses’ work and equipment in the medical centre of my home village – the glass syringes and the smell of antiseptics.”

Graduating from the College of Medicine in Cahul in 1988 and from the department of sanitary management in “Nicolae Testemițanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2006, Viorica has worked for over 30 years in the children’s hospital.