Great-Grandmother, 77, Keeps Working As COVID-19 Nurse: ‘It’s More Than Just Duty’

Illustration - John Moore/Getty Images

The CCP virus has not spared any age group, but it has particularly posed severe health dangers for seniors. However, that’s not stopping a 77-year-old great-grandmother from working 12-hour night shifts on the COVID-19 front lines.

The hardworking respiratory therapist Linda Guzman from the Alhambra Hospital Medical Center doesn’t consider herself a hero. “This is my job,” she told ABC7. “I need to do what I can do to help during this crisis.”

Although Guzman said that she feels “fearful” because of the high-risk situation, she isn’t letting that get in the way of doing her duty battling the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. “I feel like I can still contribute, so I will,” she said.

While her work as a respiratory therapist is particularly difficult and dangerous given that the virus targets the lungs, Guzman notes that she has been “doing this close to 45 years.”

“I would hate to think hospitals are short while I’m sitting around watching TV,” she said. “That wouldn’t make me feel good, especially since I’m qualified to work.”

On its website, the CDC notes that “8 out of 10 deaths reported in the United States have been in adults 65 years old and older” and estimates that between 31 and 59 percent of adults with confirmed COVID-19 are between 65 and 84 years old. This puts Guzman, who on top of all those statistics works in a hospital that treats patients with the virus, right in the line of fire.

In addition to working at the hospital, Guzman takes care of her mother of 96 years. The veteran nurse’s family members, including her four children, eight grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, are simultaneously proud of her dedication to work and afraid for her health.

Kelly, Guzman’s daughter, who also works in the health care sector, posted a picture and appreciation of her mom on Facebook. She wrote, “High risk and should be at home (76 years old) but out working night shift to take care of these patients!!”

The proud daughter said that her mom goes on shift at 7:00 p.m. every evening and doesn’t finish until 7:00 a.m.; she described her mom as “incredible.”

As a senior health care worker, Guzman said that she understands why family and friends are concerned for her but tries to reassure them by saying: “Look, this is what I do. I’m totally covered. I’m ok, so don’t worry.”

Guzman is one of the invaluable health care front line fighters who have been called into action against the seemingly unprecedented pandemic. Many hospitals in the United States and around the world are so strapped for personnel that they’ve been asking retired doctors and nurses to return to work.

Despite the fact that many retirees are older than 65 and at great personal danger, the numbers of volunteers around the world is impressive. Guzman said that beyond the duty she has as a health care worker, she feels she wants to help patients.

“It’s more than just duty though,” she said. “I love it.”