After a long year, UBC Okanagan’s school of nursing director has reflected on the rollercoaster of a year and how the events of the novel coronavirus pandemic has changed the significance of nurses in today’s society.She believes 2020 has shone a light on nursing professionals and the key role they play in our health care system.“I think the important role of the nurse has been long overlooked in many ways,” said Marie Tarrent.“Within a hospital setting, the most important intervention in a patient’s progress and recovery is expert nursing care.”Tarrent goes on to explain, “Surgeries and other medical interventions can only be effective if there are skilled nurses to care for and monitor patients.” Many COVID-19 patients insist ‘it’s not.