My name is Bronwyn Picton, otherwise known as Bron. I have been working with the Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) as an ICU Nurse now for almost 10 years.

My story today is about my experience working during COVID-19, the dilemmas of crossing regional borders and having to quarantine for 14 days.

I have been working in Wagga Wagga as a locum ICU Nurse for almost five years now through Rural LAP casual contracts.

My COVID-19 experience began when it first hit Australia. I was contracted to work at Calvary Hospital for three months. The hospital was busy as they were accepting public patients from the Wagga Base Hospital.

This meant that all patients were seen at the Calvary Hospital unless they were febrile. If febrile (had a temperature) they would return to Wagga Base Hospital until their COVID-19 test results came back.

After completing my three-month placement, I returned home to Falls Creek in Victoria only to be requested to return to Calvary Hospital. I said yes, now this is where the fun begins!

I was rejected on my first attempt to cross the NSW border. Even with all my paperwork in hand that clearly identified me as a frontline worker, I was still told under no circumstances could I cross the border.

I notified Rural LAP about my experience at the NSW border. They were shocked and supported my every move.

My second attempt also failed to get me across as I was outside the border bubble. The only way to enter NSW was to fly to Sydney and quarantine in a hotel for 14 days. I declined this offer as I felt unsafe, that I would contract COVID-19 and take it to Wagga Wagga. This didn't seem like a good idea.

After many emails to Calvary Hospital, I decided that I would notify my concerns to my local member of parliament. The CEO of Calvary Hospital also decided to contact the local MP of Wagga Wagga on my behalf.

Thankfully, they contacted the Health Minister of NSW to request an urgent permit to cross the border.

On Sunday, 6 September 2020, I finally entered the NSW border by car. I drove to Wagga Wagga where I quarantined for 14 days. No stops were allowed. When I arrived, I unpacked my car and was excited about my 14-day holiday...well that's what I called it...initially.

The first week was amazing! I slept in most mornings till 8am. I watched Netflix (I highly recommend Ozark), read books and catnapped. I even felt as though I actually watched the grass grow. Most of all, I started to paint again!

I had two Rural LAP friends already working in Wagga Wagga at the time of my quarantine who were so caring and supportive. Not only did I have daily Chai Lattes dropped at my doorstep, but I also received care packages and regular phone calls to check on me. I was feeling very blessed and grateful.

Day nine was the toughest...I woke up absolutely over it! I felt as though I couldn't do it anymore, I needed to get out of the house.

There was a park opposite where I was quarantined and I swear it was calling me over. I quickly closed the door and restrained myself to keep within my boundaries.

I called my fiancé, Michael Jowett, and told him that I didn't think I could finish the quarantine. After a lengthy conversation, I decided to stay with only 5 days to go. The next day a beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived from my fiancé saying "you've got this!".

Day 10 was swab day. I was excited to finally be allowed to leave the house and drive somewhere. Of course, my swab came back negative.

On my first shift, I felt like a dog without a leash! It felt so good to be out and about. Freedom at last! Something most people take for granted until you have to quarantine.

Being by myself and in isolation for 14 days was one of the most difficult times I've ever encountered. On a positive note, I learned to paint again and went to regular art classes every Friday night in Wagga Wagga. I also learned how to apply resin on cheese boards.

I will never forget my isolation experience during COVID-19. Frontline workers were often delayed from working and supporting those that need it the most. Border closures and restrictions definitely put a strain on the healthcare system itself and facilities that needed help.

Nurse shortages are very real in rural and remote towns and COVID-19 made the shortages much worse. Hopefully, we will all learn from this experience and take into consideration the urgency and importance of making our frontline workers a priority.

Let's pray there is no third wave.

Bronwyn Picton ICU RN.