46 nurses from across the US arrive to provide relief for Northwell's hospital system

Reinforcements arrived Tuesday from across the nation to help Long Island's efforts battling COVID-19.

Northwell welcomed 46 nurses from across the United States to help within its hospital system. They were given a heroes welcome outside Northwell Health Institute for Nursing in New Hyde Park.

"2020 is the Year of the Nurse. We didn't expect to celebrate it in this way," says Northwell Health Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive Maureen White. "But it is so heartwarming to see so many nurses come from so far away to assist us in this time of need."

The nurses will provide relief for Northwell nurses who have been working around the clock since the pandemic began. Nurses have come from as far as California and Idaho.

"I love community, and there's not a bigger calling than something like this," says Marybella Cole, of Lewiston, Idaho.

To treat the growing ranks of COVID-19 patients, New York has frantically added ventilators, hospital beds and makeshift treatment centers. About 90,000 health care workers have also volunteered to help, including about 25,000 from out of state.

Twenty-one critical care and emergency department nurses were part of the effort at Stony Brook University Hospital. But no matter where they're from, their expertise and time has been welcomed.

"It really helps to keep us motivated, keep us buoyed up, keep going on for the next day to care for the next patient," says White.

The nurses received a half-day training session Tuesday and will start work Wednesday.

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