Kate Bergen is a paramedic and self taught artist from NJ. She has been featured in many news articles, on ABC’s Pandemic: What You Need To Know and on the cover of Real Woman Magazine. More info on her art is available at Bergen Studios on FB.
I've been in EMS for 15 years and to date, this is the most significant experience of my career. I've always prided myself on my own mental resolve to get through hard times. I've never had difficulty with “taking work home” in the way some of my colleagues had. This pandemic hit in a way I was not prepared for and, despite my training, I found myself feeling increased anxiety and helplessness as the pandemic wore on. As a way to cope with mounting stress I began painting this series, Modern Day Rosies. It is inspired by the Rosie the Riveters of the 1940s and a call to action for the American people. It was created in the hopes of boosting morale and bringing my local community together. Every Rosie featured in this series is a woman I either know personally or who was recommended by someone I know.
See my website for more info: www.jbergenstudios.com
I've been in EMS for 15 years and to date, this is the most significant experience of my career. I've always prided myself on my own mental resolve to get through hard times. I've never had difficulty with “taking work home” in the way some of my colleagues had. This pandemic hit in a way I was not prepared for and, despite my training, I found myself feeling increased anxiety and helplessness as the pandemic wore on. As a way to cope with mounting stress I began painting this series, Modern Day Rosies. It is inspired by the Rosie the Riveters of the 1940s and a call to action for the American people. It was created in the hopes of boosting morale and bringing my local community together. Every Rosie featured in this series is a woman I either know personally or who was recommended by someone I know.
See my website for more info: www.jbergenstudios.com
Feel Through My Eyes
As the year unfolded our country also saw the senseless murder of George Floyd. The overwhelming outrage was palpable and led to more senseless violence. I once again felt helpless in a world where so much was out of my control. I created “Feel Through My Eyes” as a way to use what little voice I had and try to bring some hope and healing to those who needed it. While I know we have a long way to go as a nation, I hope the sentiment behind this piece will help bring about understanding and compassion.
As the year unfolded our country also saw the senseless murder of George Floyd. The overwhelming outrage was palpable and led to more senseless violence. I once again felt helpless in a world where so much was out of my control. I created “Feel Through My Eyes” as a way to use what little voice I had and try to bring some hope and healing to those who needed it. While I know we have a long way to go as a nation, I hope the sentiment behind this piece will help bring about understanding and compassion.
Michelle, 55, Environmental Services Staff
Often a thankless job, these folks work tirelessly doing the dirtiest jobs in healthcare. They are just as much at risk for exposure to every infectious disease as those providing the patient care. It's time for them to have some recognition, please join us in saying THANK YOU to all these folks that give their all so that our jobs can work seamlessly! You are a much appreciated part of our team! Thank you!!!!
Often a thankless job, these folks work tirelessly doing the dirtiest jobs in healthcare. They are just as much at risk for exposure to every infectious disease as those providing the patient care. It's time for them to have some recognition, please join us in saying THANK YOU to all these folks that give their all so that our jobs can work seamlessly! You are a much appreciated part of our team! Thank you!!!!
Rachel, 54, Certified Nurse Midwife
Nurse Midwives are often overlooked today in the world of obstetrics. They are often thought to have little to no medical knowledge, with the inability to provide pain management or care for the mother while pregnant or postpartum. This could not be further from the truth! In true nursing fashion, CNMs give excellent and individualized patient care. Births are mentally, physically and emotionally draining…I don’t think I could imagine having a baby in these times of quarantine, but I guarantee you a CNM would make sure any birth in her hands goes smoothly!
Nurse Midwives are often overlooked today in the world of obstetrics. They are often thought to have little to no medical knowledge, with the inability to provide pain management or care for the mother while pregnant or postpartum. This could not be further from the truth! In true nursing fashion, CNMs give excellent and individualized patient care. Births are mentally, physically and emotionally draining…I don’t think I could imagine having a baby in these times of quarantine, but I guarantee you a CNM would make sure any birth in her hands goes smoothly!
Jade, 42 and Trish, 35, Paramedics
Paramedic - PRIDE! Change is a constant in life and acceptance is an early part of change. This Modern Day Rosie piece is about just that, acceptance. As we move forward as a society acceptance can only help to strengthen and better equip us to fight a pandemic like COVID while creating a better world for all.
Paramedic - PRIDE! Change is a constant in life and acceptance is an early part of change. This Modern Day Rosie piece is about just that, acceptance. As we move forward as a society acceptance can only help to strengthen and better equip us to fight a pandemic like COVID while creating a better world for all.
Bo, 46, Former Paramedic, Police officer, School Resource Officer, Chaplin
A police officer's job description often involves difficulties many of us would be ill equipped to handle by ourselves, but these folks don’t hesitate to step up to help and serve their communities. Our peace keepers find themselves trying to protect the community while promoting social distancing and battling an imperceptible foe in the coronavirus. These officers deserve the same recognition as our healthcare workers also on the front lines.
A police officer's job description often involves difficulties many of us would be ill equipped to handle by ourselves, but these folks don’t hesitate to step up to help and serve their communities. Our peace keepers find themselves trying to protect the community while promoting social distancing and battling an imperceptible foe in the coronavirus. These officers deserve the same recognition as our healthcare workers also on the front lines.
Kelly, 33, Firefighter
Firefighting has never been an easy job. It is physically and mentally demanding on a good day. Women in the fire service are very much aware that they are in a male-dominated field, but they go in and give 100% every day, without fail. Even with the added stressor of COVID, they approach it as just another part of the job, with an added layer of PPE. With or without a pandemic, we remain safe because of their hard work and training. Thank you for your dedication!!
Firefighting has never been an easy job. It is physically and mentally demanding on a good day. Women in the fire service are very much aware that they are in a male-dominated field, but they go in and give 100% every day, without fail. Even with the added stressor of COVID, they approach it as just another part of the job, with an added layer of PPE. With or without a pandemic, we remain safe because of their hard work and training. Thank you for your dedication!!
Rachel, 38, 9-1-1 Dispatcher
Our dispatchers are the help on the other end of the line that you will likely never meet. They still hear your voice long after that call is done. They bring the calm on the other end of the line when you are having your very worst day. Our dispatchers are the quintessential multitaskers; they’re doing 10 things at once: listening to radio traffic while typing 100 words a minute - all while making sure their crews are safe. With COVID challenges, they struggle to be heard and reassuring while speaking through a mask. Frequently, these phone calls are a desperate last attempt to save a life because the fear of the virus prevented them from calling sooner. Our dispatchers are true heroes. They are the thin gold line that holds the red, white and blue lines together. They are the FIRST first responders, and they have all of us in their keep.
Our dispatchers are the help on the other end of the line that you will likely never meet. They still hear your voice long after that call is done. They bring the calm on the other end of the line when you are having your very worst day. Our dispatchers are the quintessential multitaskers; they’re doing 10 things at once: listening to radio traffic while typing 100 words a minute - all while making sure their crews are safe. With COVID challenges, they struggle to be heard and reassuring while speaking through a mask. Frequently, these phone calls are a desperate last attempt to save a life because the fear of the virus prevented them from calling sooner. Our dispatchers are true heroes. They are the thin gold line that holds the red, white and blue lines together. They are the FIRST first responders, and they have all of us in their keep.
Le, 38, ER Nurse
I chose Le because she is one of the best nurses I know. Her compassion in nursing drives her to get up and try harder every day, setting her best example for her daughters. Le and her family have also felt very uncomfortable, even personally targeted, in light of what some were calling the “Chinese Disease.” I wanted to combat some of that ignorance, and quell some of her uneasiness with illustrating that she, like the rest of us, are on the front lines of this pandemic. We are all in this together, side by side!!
I chose Le because she is one of the best nurses I know. Her compassion in nursing drives her to get up and try harder every day, setting her best example for her daughters. Le and her family have also felt very uncomfortable, even personally targeted, in light of what some were calling the “Chinese Disease.” I wanted to combat some of that ignorance, and quell some of her uneasiness with illustrating that she, like the rest of us, are on the front lines of this pandemic. We are all in this together, side by side!!
Erin, 38, EMT for 20 years
Emergency Medical Technicians are true Modern Day Rosie’s in the front line against COVID. These women willingly and purposefully put themselves at risk for exposure in order to help others and reduce the risk of further spreading the virus. EMTs (in NJ) arrive first on the scene and determine the potential life threats, if none exist any paramedic crew that was dispatched is cancelled. Not all COVID patients are so severe that they would need immediate paramedic intervention so by canceling the Advanced Life Support (ALS - AKA- paramedics). EMTs thereby assume greater risk of exposure because they still remain with the infected patients. EMTs often get none of the credit they truly deserve. Often, they are the ones doing the manual labor of our job in the field - only to have the paramedic get the credit when arriving to the hospital. These women have all of our thanks for getting in there and doing the hard work - so that our jobs are easier. We are all one team and could not do our job if it weren’t for all of you!
Emergency Medical Technicians are true Modern Day Rosie’s in the front line against COVID. These women willingly and purposefully put themselves at risk for exposure in order to help others and reduce the risk of further spreading the virus. EMTs (in NJ) arrive first on the scene and determine the potential life threats, if none exist any paramedic crew that was dispatched is cancelled. Not all COVID patients are so severe that they would need immediate paramedic intervention so by canceling the Advanced Life Support (ALS - AKA- paramedics). EMTs thereby assume greater risk of exposure because they still remain with the infected patients. EMTs often get none of the credit they truly deserve. Often, they are the ones doing the manual labor of our job in the field - only to have the paramedic get the credit when arriving to the hospital. These women have all of our thanks for getting in there and doing the hard work - so that our jobs are easier. We are all one team and could not do our job if it weren’t for all of you!
Holly, 39, Community Pharmacist
Pharmacists were not exempt from the trials and tribulations of COVID making their job difficult. Pharmacists traditionally rely on face to face or over the phone communication to best convey information to their patients. Installation of plexiglass barriers, institution of face masks and face shields has severely hindered that interaction. Often the elderly rely on their pharmacists to help them make sense of all the medication they are taking, or to ensure they are taking it properly. These barrier devices created a literal barrier in patient care for many that work in public pharmacies. Thank you ladies for all you do, especially now on the frontlines of this pandemic!
Pharmacists were not exempt from the trials and tribulations of COVID making their job difficult. Pharmacists traditionally rely on face to face or over the phone communication to best convey information to their patients. Installation of plexiglass barriers, institution of face masks and face shields has severely hindered that interaction. Often the elderly rely on their pharmacists to help them make sense of all the medication they are taking, or to ensure they are taking it properly. These barrier devices created a literal barrier in patient care for many that work in public pharmacies. Thank you ladies for all you do, especially now on the frontlines of this pandemic!
Genevieve, 37, Flight Medic
I couldn’t dedicate Modern Day Rosie paintings to our women in EMS without mentioning our flight paramedics out there! This profession is not for the faint of heart, these badass ladies work their butts off every day! They are expected to be a proficient well-oiled cog in the critical care machine team - and do it in tight spaces, 1000 feet in the air, while cruising at 120 knots. Flight Paramedics are the elite of EMS, a position earned through experience, dedication and constantly challenging themselves to do better with every patient they care for. Huge shout out to these gals! Thank you for putting your lives on the line now more than ever!
I couldn’t dedicate Modern Day Rosie paintings to our women in EMS without mentioning our flight paramedics out there! This profession is not for the faint of heart, these badass ladies work their butts off every day! They are expected to be a proficient well-oiled cog in the critical care machine team - and do it in tight spaces, 1000 feet in the air, while cruising at 120 knots. Flight Paramedics are the elite of EMS, a position earned through experience, dedication and constantly challenging themselves to do better with every patient they care for. Huge shout out to these gals! Thank you for putting your lives on the line now more than ever!
Jenny, 56, Respiratory Therapist
These dedicated hardworking professionals are frontline staff in one of the most demanding and stressful positions during this pandemic.
These dedicated hardworking professionals are frontline staff in one of the most demanding and stressful positions during this pandemic.
Kasey, 35, EMT/Dispatcher/ Communications Supervisor
Ryan, 36, 16 years of public service including EMT, Fire Dept, Dispatch and Police
Emergency Medical Technicians are true Modern Day Rosie’s in the front line against COVID 19. These essential women are willingly and purposefully put themselves at risk for exposure in order to help others and reduce the risk of further spreading the virus. EMTs (in NJ) arrive first on the scene and determine the potential life threats, if none exist any paramedic crew that was dispatched would be cancelled. Not all COVID patients are so severe that they would need immediate paramedic intervention so by canceling the Advanced Life Support (ALS - AKA- paramedics) EMTs thereby assume greater risk of exposure because they still remain with the infected patients. EMTs often get none of the credit they truly deserve. Often, they are the ones doing the manual labor of our job in the field - only to have the paramedic get the credit when arriving to the hospital. These women have all of our thanks for getting in there and doing the hard work - so that our jobs are easier. We could not do our job if it weren’t for all of you!
Ryan, 36, 16 years of public service including EMT, Fire Dept, Dispatch and Police
Emergency Medical Technicians are true Modern Day Rosie’s in the front line against COVID 19. These essential women are willingly and purposefully put themselves at risk for exposure in order to help others and reduce the risk of further spreading the virus. EMTs (in NJ) arrive first on the scene and determine the potential life threats, if none exist any paramedic crew that was dispatched would be cancelled. Not all COVID patients are so severe that they would need immediate paramedic intervention so by canceling the Advanced Life Support (ALS - AKA- paramedics) EMTs thereby assume greater risk of exposure because they still remain with the infected patients. EMTs often get none of the credit they truly deserve. Often, they are the ones doing the manual labor of our job in the field - only to have the paramedic get the credit when arriving to the hospital. These women have all of our thanks for getting in there and doing the hard work - so that our jobs are easier. We could not do our job if it weren’t for all of you!
Joy, 41, Radiology Technologist for 20 years
As imaging experts, radiology techs are present during many procedures where the possibility of transmission of an infectious disease is high. This is especially true during this COVID 19 pandemic. Please keep them in your thoughts as we continue to battle this virus.
As imaging experts, radiology techs are present during many procedures where the possibility of transmission of an infectious disease is high. This is especially true during this COVID 19 pandemic. Please keep them in your thoughts as we continue to battle this virus.
Alex, 36, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who proudly takes care of our nation's veterans.
CRNAs are at the frontlines as airway experts and critical care management team members in the fight against Covid-19. Their close proximity to patient airways make them especially susceptible to transmission of the Coronavirus! These folks literally put their lives on the line every day! Please join us in saying thank you to these brave heroes!
CRNAs are at the frontlines as airway experts and critical care management team members in the fight against Covid-19. Their close proximity to patient airways make them especially susceptible to transmission of the Coronavirus! These folks literally put their lives on the line every day! Please join us in saying thank you to these brave heroes!
Nadine, 34, Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner
Our Advanced Practice Nurse isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, she jumps in whenever she’s needed in her local Emergency Dept. She’s a picture perfect Modern Day Rosie! It’s a shame all that PPE covers up her beautiful red locks! Thank you Nadine for all you do! You are a beautiful person inside and out!!
Our Advanced Practice Nurse isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, she jumps in whenever she’s needed in her local Emergency Dept. She’s a picture perfect Modern Day Rosie! It’s a shame all that PPE covers up her beautiful red locks! Thank you Nadine for all you do! You are a beautiful person inside and out!!
Mae Krier, ROSIE THE RIVETER!!
There is something remarkable to have answered the call during WWII going to work in a factory
as a machinist when our country needed help most. It is something EXCEPTIONAL to answer
that call a second time in one lifetime and begin making masks, free of charge for people during
the pandemic. Mae Krier is just that extraordinary woman, a real life Rosie the Riveter and now a Modern Day Rosie! To say the creation of this painting was special is a huge understatement.
Mae is a true hero in every sense of the word! Thank you for all you have done and all you are
continuing to do!!!
There is something remarkable to have answered the call during WWII going to work in a factory
as a machinist when our country needed help most. It is something EXCEPTIONAL to answer
that call a second time in one lifetime and begin making masks, free of charge for people during
the pandemic. Mae Krier is just that extraordinary woman, a real life Rosie the Riveter and now a Modern Day Rosie! To say the creation of this painting was special is a huge understatement.
Mae is a true hero in every sense of the word! Thank you for all you have done and all you are
continuing to do!!!
Suz, 46, Physicians Assistant
These Rosies ran in to help when there became a shortage across our country for trained medical staff. You ladies are ACES in our book!
These Rosies ran in to help when there became a shortage across our country for trained medical staff. You ladies are ACES in our book!
Axel & Gunther, Crisis Response Canine Team
Our dogs are not only part of our pack, they’re family. These two good boys are no exception. Raised to bring comfort, love, smiles and butt wiggles, Axel and Gunther have been essential during this pandemic. They have been present every single day for patients, staff and healthcare workers bringing a little smile wherever they go. They gave a brief, but welcome reprieve to all the weight of responsibility those of us on the front lines face daily. These two and their handler/owner/dad John Hunt are the definition of selfless frontline workers.
Our dogs are not only part of our pack, they’re family. These two good boys are no exception. Raised to bring comfort, love, smiles and butt wiggles, Axel and Gunther have been essential during this pandemic. They have been present every single day for patients, staff and healthcare workers bringing a little smile wherever they go. They gave a brief, but welcome reprieve to all the weight of responsibility those of us on the front lines face daily. These two and their handler/owner/dad John Hunt are the definition of selfless frontline workers.
Nicole, 32, Addictions Nurse, EMT
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)- is a vocation that calls to people that aim to take care of the sick, injured or convalescent. These special Rosie's are there to take care of patients, day in and day out. Encompassing the traditional nurse roles, LPNs are at the bedside and exposed every day to the dangers of COVID. Pregnancy is particularly worrisome because so much is unknown as to how the virus affects an unborn baby. This Rosie, still continued to bravely work throughout her pregnancy, ever worried about what she could bring home or how it could affect her baby. A shining example of selflessness, she did a job many others would have walked away from. Thank you ma'am for being the exceptional nurse you are!
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)- is a vocation that calls to people that aim to take care of the sick, injured or convalescent. These special Rosie's are there to take care of patients, day in and day out. Encompassing the traditional nurse roles, LPNs are at the bedside and exposed every day to the dangers of COVID. Pregnancy is particularly worrisome because so much is unknown as to how the virus affects an unborn baby. This Rosie, still continued to bravely work throughout her pregnancy, ever worried about what she could bring home or how it could affect her baby. A shining example of selflessness, she did a job many others would have walked away from. Thank you ma'am for being the exceptional nurse you are!
Niveen, 49,Trauma Surgeon and Surgical Intensivist
In the latest addition of our “ Modern Day Rosie” collection I honor the women physicians, specifically the surgeons. It’s a difficult role to fill under any circumstance and these women show great strength and courage under tough conditions. During the pandemic many healthcare providers were asked to fulfill multiple rolls. Our surgeons were no different. They were asked to continue in emergency roles such as traumas and in addition help with many other issues related to the COVID virus. Many of these surgical roles are filled by strong women just like “Rosie”. Thanks for stepping up docs!! We appreciate all you’ve done during this difficult time.
In the latest addition of our “ Modern Day Rosie” collection I honor the women physicians, specifically the surgeons. It’s a difficult role to fill under any circumstance and these women show great strength and courage under tough conditions. During the pandemic many healthcare providers were asked to fulfill multiple rolls. Our surgeons were no different. They were asked to continue in emergency roles such as traumas and in addition help with many other issues related to the COVID virus. Many of these surgical roles are filled by strong women just like “Rosie”. Thanks for stepping up docs!! We appreciate all you’ve done during this difficult time.
Ingrid, 62, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Vintage COTA of 41 years!
Vintage COTA of 41 years!
Linda, 56, Flight Nurse
For this mother of three, becoming a flight nurse represents the achievement of a childhood dream.
For this mother of three, becoming a flight nurse represents the achievement of a childhood dream.
Tiffany, 37, Patient Care Technician
PCT’s provide direct and indirect care to patients by ensuring the cleanliness of their rooms, assisting with medical treatments and basic daily needs. These Modern Day Rosies are key in all aspects of patient care. Thank you for doing what you do best!
PCT’s provide direct and indirect care to patients by ensuring the cleanliness of their rooms, assisting with medical treatments and basic daily needs. These Modern Day Rosies are key in all aspects of patient care. Thank you for doing what you do best!