I'm a paeds critical care nurse. This is what life feels like right now 1/

We're on a beach and the tide has just gone out a really long way. We don't know if, when the water returns, it's going to be a normal tide, or a spring tide, or a tsunami. We're on the beach building a boat as fast as we can. 2/

Because that's all we can do. Covid-19 isn't affecting children like it is adults, but that doesn't mean they aren't going to be affected at all. 3/

Paeds critical care provision is expected to come under excessive pressure in the coming weeks as space is created in hospitals for adults who need ventilating. But we're lucky, we have time, and we're using it wisely. 4/

Different teams coming together, bringing supplies and expertise. And at the centre of it all, our beautiful, wonderful, creative, adaptable, knowledgable, caring, courageous nurses. Who today were told they must wear full PPE at all times on the unit. 5/

And their eyes went wide as they realised the implications, and they stared, silent for a moment, and then they took a breath and began to problem solve and support each other and offer guidance to a new member of staff. 6/

They shared hair bands, and contemplated glasses or contacts, and reminded each other how to perform the fit check, and fastened each others' gowns. They were already thinking ahead and asking questions, 'what about this situation', 'what about that scenario' 7/

All the while, calmly just getting on with it. And I am so unbelievably proud and honoured to work alongside these incredible people. They don't need you to stand on your doorstep and clap. They need you to honour the lockdown. 8/

Not try to work your way around it, or convince yourself that your journey, or meeting that person is 'essential' when it's not. Because we work behind closed doors, we are kind of faceless, we are 'the NHS' but we're so much more than that. 9/

We are daughters and sons, wives and husbands, and much loved aunties. We are real people, just like you. We are not heroes or angels. Don't put us on a pedestal, or elevate us beyond 'normal people', because that helps absolve you of your own responsibility. 10/

We're just like you. We need you to respect the lockdown. We'll do our best to save you if you need our help. But right now, we need your help to save everyone. Stay inside. Please. 11/