Intensive Care Unit nurses at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital recently got a nice surprise — care packages of goodies from ICU nurses in New York to help during busy days in the hospital.

All hospitals in Arizona are managing an increased patient census during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a release from Abrazo Health, and the gesture between colleagues from the East and West was much appreciated. It all started with an Abrazo nurse’s friendship with former coworker in New York.

“A group of nurses from Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, Long Island, sent our ICU nurses a several care packages for the entire team,” said Maricris Tallant, BSN, RN, CCRN, director of CVICU, Step Down Unit and Respiratory Therapy at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital. “One of our staff nurses came here from New York, and he’s a friend of one of those nurses whose team created these amazing care packages.”

The cross-country show of support included snacks, facial masks, eye bag patches, markers, coffee, oatmeal and more. Simple supplies that help staff get through stressful times.

“The entire ICU team is deeply grateful to my friend Rachel and her amazing colleagues,” stated Tim Eisemann, a staff nurse in the ICU at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital. “We are blown away by the thoughtfulness and generosity they have showed us in sending us these care packages. COVID-19 has brought great stress and anxiety to the nursing profession, but gestures like this remind us that we are all in this together and that we will make it through with each other’s support.”

Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital is a 59-bed specialty hospital in Phoenix that focuses exclusively on cardiovascular care. All Abrazo Hospitals continue to have the ability to provide care for COVID and non-COVID patient, the release states.

“Our staff have been real heroes, being mindful of the care and safety of their patients as well as their coworkers,” stated Chief Administrative Officer Phil Fitzgerald. “I do appreciate all the extra hours they’ve spent here at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital during this challenging time, and express my sincerest thank you for the great job everyone is doing.”

As the fight against coronavirus continues, Abrazo urges the community help slow the virus’ spread: wear a face mask, maintain social distance, and wash your hands. If you are having a health emergency, please seek immediate care and do not delay treatment, officials say.

“The team from New York said they could relate the stress we’re going through now,” Ms. Tallant stated. “The care packages included everything that they wished they would have had during their surge in the early days of the pandemic. It was a really nice gesture and greatly appreciated!”