Paula Richards admits there was a time just recently when "you couldn't not be scared".
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The director of nursing and midwifery at Maitland Hospital was speaking on Tuesday after she had celebrated International Nurses Day with her team - at least, as best you can while maintaining strict social distancing.
"It was virtual celebration over Skype, with tea and biscuits," the 50-year-old said. "Nothing too outrageous."
The days of ducking across the road after work to the Family Hotel seem a distant memory.
"Can't wait though," she said, breaking into a laugh.
The rampant COVID-19 pandemic overseas had put local doctors, nurses and allied health services under heightened stress - the stakes couldn't be higher - but also front and centre in the public eye. For Paula, there's no doubt her team can feel the public goodwill.
"I think you can see that recognition internationally, and it's the same here," she said.
"Going to work puts you in a position of heightened danger because you're the front line. But thankfully we haven't had to deal with the large number of cases that we've seen our colleagues in New York, England and Italy deal with, and that's allowed us to prepare.
"There was a time when we were really tired, not from the patients but from the intense preparation we were going through, seeing those huge numbers of victims overseas. It was stressful, but I know we're ready now."
Surprisingly the pandemic threat has led to an increase in camaraderie that she hasn't seen before in her 23 years of nursing.
"I've got no doubt it has brought everyone closer. And on a personal note I'm incredibly proud of the work of our nurses and midwives. They've rolled up their sleeves and been incredibly responsive," she said.
"It has been a really amazing time for us. Stressful but rewarding."
And what does she think of the easing of restrictions?
"I understand it, and from our point of view we're slowly getting back to the daily work that's important ... getting your hip done, or getting your knee done, the core business stuff."
And if the easing leads to an increase in numbers?
"We're ready."
