Nurse returns home after working 42 days on the frontline

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 03 MAY 2022: A registered nurse and midwife at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National hospital had an emotional return to her children and family after working for forty-two days straight during the current Covid-19 outbreak.

Tiara Tuulua, a mother of two had camped at the hospital alongside several other nurses who worked on the frontline against the virus.

Tiara started her 42 day shift on 18 March 2022, the day after the first community case of COVID -19 was confirmed in Samoa. From then on, she was at work and staying on camp having regular tests to ensure her safety.

Registered Nurse Tiara Tuulua with her children.

“Today mark 42 days (6weeks) since I have been away from my kids and family so I decided to visit my family especially my dearest children they have been waiting for 42 days,” she wrote about her journey before going back home early this week.

All registered nurses were given the freedom to decide whether to camp or return home after work.

But for the safety of her family and children, Tiara decided to stay in the hospital for as long as her children’s safety is assured.

She is not the only nurse who camped in the hospital since the Covid-19 outbreak.

Since 20 March, the registered nurse had 26 RAT Covid-19 tests and all returned negative.

To survive throughout the journey, Tiara thanked her families and friends who visited and brought groceries to the camp.

The Samoa Nurses Association also organized monetary gifts for all nurses who worked throughout the pandemic last month.

Tiara said it had been challenging to stay away from her family and especially her children, but everything turned out well.

“Now I laugh and say to myself, I won this battle because of Jesus. Time to go home but, I will be back,” Tiara said.