Connection is just feeling more important that ever, and this week’s guest does not disappoint on that front. I was lucky enough to catch up with Nurse Abi, who is a most essential activist amidst this pandemic and ever-changing social climate.Nurse ABi was born and raised in Metro Manila in the Philippines but has resided on stolen Ohlone Land (which is more widely known as Alameda County) for more than twenty years.She is an essential healthcare worker on the front lines, with more than 12 years of experience as a registered nurse. When she’s not in a medical center, Nurse ABI is a COVID Space Strategist and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Population Health Nursing. She is leveraging her experience, both publicly and digitally to educate well-meaning, at-risk communities to reduce COVID transmissions until a vaccine is available for all.Nurse ABi provides regular content on Instagram, can be found safeguarding folks from COVID exposure from protests to picnics, and is a not-so-secret admirer of a certain US Health Official, Dr. Fauchi. I’m looking forward to sharing this episode with you, because Nurse ABi is all heart and there’s really no better timing than the middle of a pandemic, during flu season nonetheless, to hear from a healthcare professional creating ripples upon ripples for humanity when humanity can feel bleak.I’m thrilled to introduce you to THE East Bay’s crusader for CDC compliance and self-proclaimed defender of human dignity, my lovely friend, Nurse ABi.Key Talking Points of the Episode:Population health strategiesCOVID exposure reduction & the ripple effectFamily, religion, and other things that have shaped Nurse Abi’s caringFolks who inspire Nurse AbiNurse ABi’s pandemic self-care tipsKey Milestones of the Episode:[05:00] Meet Nurse ABi[07:00] Supporting communities during the pandemic[9:00] Being present during protests[11:00] Being a holistic healthcare provider[14:00] Nurse Abi’s mindset; no half-assing[16:00] Nurse Abi’s inspiration; Dr. Fauci & Pope Francis[20:00] Possible hang-ups for people who care a lot, according to Nurse ABi[22:00] Public commitment [26:00] Modifying your life during a pandemic[28:00] The ripple effect[30:00] Raised by a single mother, and growing up Catholic[32:00] Getting into nursing[36:00] How Nurse Abi takes care of herself, while she’s taking care of others[38:00] Dignity for all[41:00] An organization Nurse Abi supports[43:00] Where to find Nurse ABi[45:00] Closing thoughtsStandout Quotes from the Episode:“You can still be vocally expressive, while still wearing your mask properly, or social distancing”“If there’s something that you’re privileged with, whether it’s your skin color or internet access, or education or your language proficiency - there’s always something to do to make it easier for other people.”“But then with the frustrations that the COVID guidelines or recommendations are putting on people, I felt so frustrated to see people not know what to do.”“I guess my natural tendency of translating that to easier terms for the. I guess for the lay person to be able to digest and understand.”“I feel like to protesters, I almost feel like it won't really hit further if they don't see me physically there. And for them, feeling the presence of a nurse among themselves, understanding where their pains are and understanding where there can be a bridge between COVID reduction and still like honoring what's in their heart as a human person.”“I want them to just know that they’re just these little modifications that you can fold into your flow and still have less risk for COVID and still have a little bit of what you want in your life.”“I’m just holding onto the fact that the ripple effect is real… All of us are little pebbles.” Mentioned in the EpisodeWhite Coats for Black Lives Connect with Nurse ABiNurse Abi on InstagramNurse Abi can be found on TikTok: @nurse_abi If you love this episode, please rate and review it on Apple/iTunes! It helps podcast listeners