Karen Garcia is a mother of two, DACA recipient, and registered nurse at a hospital in central Phoenix.

The people in her care are suspected of having COVID-19 but must spend eight hours in the holding area, separated from their loved ones, as they await testing results.

Health workers are at the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic response and as such are exposed to hazards. According to the World Health Organization, hazards include pathogen exposure, fatigue, and psychological distress, among others.

Garcia continues to proudly show up to work every day. “I’m a nurse, and my patients need me,” she said.