Taking care of patients during a pandemic can be stressful and upsetting for nurses. Nurses frequently spend more time directly caring for patients than physicians do and are frequently required to learn new methods of care. The emotional and physical health of nurses may suffer as a result of these shifts. Nurses may face increased workloads, shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), and modifications to standard operating procedures. For many healthcare workers, the prospect of being exposed to a pandemic virus is terrifying.
There was a disproportionate impact on the nursing workforce due to the pandemic. They put themselves and their patients at risk of infection by frequently working without protective gloves or gowns. Additionally, they were expected to perform duties typically performed by nursing aides. Nurses had to keep their cool despite the stress of their jobs.
Nurses are still concerned about the need for additional resources and reusing and recycling equipment, despite the fact that the pandemic threat has diminished in some states. Despite efforts, the threat of a pandemic persists, and in some areas, nurse shortages have occurred. It's important to keep calm and know your limits; most states didn't experience the same effects as other countries.
The difficulties of being a nurse during a pandemic are explained by one woman who has remained composed throughout the crisis. She says it's been tough to be a nurse during this unsettling time, and she doesn't even know the full extent of the pandemic or its effects on the healthcare system. Despite all of the risks and hazards, nurses and nursing students have risen to the forefront as unsung heroes. They put in long hours caring for patients, but they also make time for themselves to stay healthy.
Insecurities are another common problem for new nurses. Their career will stagnate due to a lack of confidence and assurance in themselves. They must learn to trust themselves and face their fears if they are to succeed as nurses. They should get advice from people they work with who have been in similar roles.
Many nurses find that caring for patients during a pandemic is an emotionally taxing experience. According to recent surveys, a large percentage of nurses report experiencing burnout and exhaustion. A recent survey by NurseGrid found that the percentage of nurses who reported feeling burnt out rose from 25% in April to 60% in December. Having too few people on hand to do the job can lead to burnout. Sixty-eight percent of nurses were concerned that there wouldn't be enough nurses to meet patient needs during the first weeks of the pandemic.
As a nurse, you'll need to adopt a different frame of mind and approach to patient care if and when a pandemic strikes. Nurses can contribute to this change by drawing on their education and experience in the field. Public health policy can be informed by their findings of trends. Their insight and compassion can be priceless when searching for and implementing novel methods of healthcare delivery.
Many hospitals are now paying travel nurses more than they did before the pandemic because of the increased demand. Some nurses are now earning four times as much as they would at a normal nursing position. ICU nurses in California can make up to $145 per hour thanks to a deal negotiated by the state's Department of Public Health with private employers. The companies also compensated the nurses $2,000 for overtime.
Despite the difficulties, nurses play a crucial role in reviving the sick, mending the injured, and welcoming the newborn during a pandemic. During pandemics, nurses face unprecedented challenges, but their expertise is more important than ever. New nurses can enter the workforce during a pandemic with greater ease thanks to the availability of programs and training.
Nurses form an inseparable bond with their patients and their loved ones, making them an integral part of the healthcare team. To be a nurse is to be on the front lines of providing care in both institutional and community settings. A nurse's duty is to provide excellent care to each individual patient. You'll also have to make sure that every patient has access to the necessary supplies, including PPE, hygiene products, and medication.