This week marks National Nurses Week, and it is being extended for the entire month to honor nurses across the country who are caring for the sick during the coronavirus crisis. 

Gregory Fargas is a home care nurse for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. He says he goes into homes to care for the sick, including patients recovering from COVID-19. 

“We make sure that them coming home from the hospital that they're safe,” said Fargas. 

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Despite years of experience, the virus is a new territory for medical professionals on the front line of the crisis.

Before the VNSNY visit, all patients are now screened for symptoms of the coronavirus. Nurses visiting the home of a recovering COVID-19 patient suit up before entering. 

 A COVID-19 care kit is left at the patient’s home to self-monitor and reduce the spread to other family members. However, for some with the virus, the outcome is much different. 

Diane Lynch is a VNSNY hospice nurse at NYC Brooklyn Hospital. She’s a liaison between doctors and COVID-19 patients struggling with acute pain. She’s often there for those final goodbyes connecting isolated patients with their family.   

“We have the technology where we can use our phones so they can see their faces and voices, as sad as it is and heartbreaking, it's a privilege,” said Lynch.