Thousands of nurses in Massachusetts will be given orchids as they leave work on Friday, including at BIDMC. The flowers are a way to thank the healthcare workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands Of Orchids Handed Out To Nurses As A Thank You During Coronavirus Pandemic
WBZ – May 8, 2020
BOSTON (CBS) — Thousands of nurses in Massachusetts were given orchids as they left work Friday morning. The flowers are a way to thank the healthcare workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Best of all, the gesture was a surprise.
Deliveries started at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and then went to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton. Green Circle Growers provided more than 5,000 orchids, which were handed out by ICS Plant Specialists.
Leigh Monahan has been a nurse at the Brigham for 10 years.
“I heard the cheering first then I looked out and saw a whole bunch of flowers. It was just after being up all night, it was a really nice surprise to walk into,” she said. “It’s just really nice to know that we are being recognized like this.”
Joe Prezitera is the director of respiratory therapy at Beth Israel. He grabbed a handful of plants for his team, who’s workload has about tripled during the pandemic.
“It’s hard on them. It’s hard on everybody,” said Prezitera. “This is such a great gesture. Folks are doing such a great job. They are tired and this will bring a lot of happiness. So I think it’s terrific. Flowers always bring happiness.”
This week also marks National Nurses Weeks.
