Thirty-four nurses from Colorado landed in New Jersey on Tuesday in an effort to assist with coronavirus patients at Catholic hospitals in the state.

“We’re in awe of everyone stepping up to help N.J. in our time of need. We will never forget these incredible acts of selflessness and solidarity,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a tweet.

The nurses will work at Catholic Healthcare Partnership of New Jersey hospitals which include St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson, Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System in New Brunswick.

The nurses are from Colorado-based Centura Health, which asked for volunteers from within their ranks to assist nurses in New Jersey. Colorado nurses have seen a decline in caseloads due to the cancellation of elective procedures and low volumes of coronavirus patients.

“Each Centura Health caregiver has an inner calling to minister where the need is, as we have always done in our 138-year history, and to stand by their fellow heroes to extend hope, healing, and kindness in a most critical time,” Peter D. Banko, president and CEO of Centura Health, said in a statement.

All of the nurses were flown in on United Airlines, which is sponsoring flights for medical workers into New Jersey during the crisis.

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“As the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact New Jersey, home to our Newark hub, we believe it’s essential to support healthcare workers who choose to risk their own lives by joining the frontlines in the state to fight against the virus and offer relief to existing medical workers who have been working tirelessly,” Jill Kaplan, president of New Jersey/New York for United, said in a statement.

Trinitas Regional is ready to welcome 20 nurses to its team, hospital CEO Gary S. Horan told NJ Advance Media.

“The nurses are very courageous, coming from Colorado to an area they know very little about, it’s very inspiring to say the least,” Horan said in an interview.

Nine nurses will work in the emergency department of Trinitas, while another 11 will be assigned to the medical/surgical units. About 75% of the hospital’s current patients are sickened with COVID-19.

“All of our staff, physicians, nurses, support staff are living the mission of hospital, and it’s very inspiring to see them come to work, see them take care of patients, wearing the protective equipment necessary, and keeping a sense of humor,” Horan said.

The hope is that the nurses coming in from Colorado will be able to provide some relief for the New Jersey nurses. A number of Trinitas nurses have been sickened with coronavirus or in quarantine, some of whom have already returned to work.

“The intensity of this virus really takes a lot out of you. They’re working very, very hard and hopefully they’re not too fatigued,” Horan said.

Cases have begun to plateau at the hospital, and Horan hopes they are at the start of the decline. Still, over a month at the front lines of the pandemic has taken its toll, he said.

The relief nurses from Colorado are expected to stay for about three or four weeks, depending on need, Horan said.

The nurses will be staying at the Hilton in Elizabeth, which gave the hospital a very good rate, Horan said. The hospital is paying for all meals, both at the hospital and at the hotel.

“We’re really looking forward to meeting them and welcoming them with welcome arms,” Horan said ahead of the nurse’s arrival on Tuesday. “They are truly are now part of the Trinitas family.”

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Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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