Lethbridge College and University of Lethbridge graduate Jesse Schmidt knows first hand how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting nurses, especially those just entering the workforce. “It’s definitely not what I expected when I started nursing school.” She says, like many of her classmates, her practicum was cut short. “I was about two thirds of the way done my final practicum,” Schmidt said. “And they just cancelled it because it wasn’t safe to be in the hospitals anymore.” Even still, Schmidt is feeling exceptionally proud, especially with this week marking National Nursing Week. “They say that nursing is the most respected profession,” Schmidt said. “I can see that as a student.