On April 2nd, we lost our first colleague as a result of the infection of COVID-19. 

“Today it is with heavy hearts that we heard of the first Georgia nurse to pass away from COVID-19 in the line of duty. I would like to ask every nurse and citizen of Georgia to please take a moment to recognize our fallen colleague,” expressed GNA President Richard Lamphier.

President Lamphier also addressed the public. “We see you in the parking lots, we see the signs in the yards and hear your support. I ask for those that believe in the power of prayer to please consider lifting the healthcare professionals who are up from 7am to 7pm. Nurses usually start their 12-hour shifts between 6:45 am/pm and 7:00 am/pm.

He added, “We will lose colleagues, family, and friends to this deadly disease. We will be there for you and each other.”

President Lamphier invites all Georgia nurses to recite Florence Nightingale’s tribute “She Was There.”

She Was There

 "When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed,

 She was there.

 In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life,

 She was there.

When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend,

 She was there.

 At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained,

She was there.

When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind,

She was there.

When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed,

 She was there.

In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates,

She was there.

To witness humanity—its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment,

 She was there.

 To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope,

 She was there

 And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side, She is there."