It’s been a bit since I wrote my last post on COVID-19 and my personal experience. This is partly because I have been hesitant to think and write about work when I am not there. The days are stressful and emotionally taxing, but I think there is a small light starting to shine at the end of this very long tunnel we’ve been stuck in.
We’ve been celebrating National Nurses Week and nurses are continuing to give the best possible care nationwide. This pandemic has highlighted the strength and incredible influence of the nursing profession in healthcare. 2020 has been named ‘The Year of the Nurse’, and Nurses Week is just a start for us.
COVID-19 has torn through the country, and things still aren’t back to normal, but nurses have remained a source of hope, resilience, and compassion. Nurses have endured challenges that we could have never dreamed off, and we have become the symbol of heroism across the country.
What’s Happening in Our Hospitals
Coronavirus forced the cancellation of elective procedures and appointments at clinics and facilities across the nation. Healthcare systems are now struggling with how to start offering these services again in a safe way that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. As ORs begin to open back up the hospitals will be able to start generating some revenue and be able to support increased staffing numbers.
During this transition, I encourage all nurses to bring any creative ideas or safety observations to the appropriate person. We are here to protect our patients and ensure they are receiving the best care possible. There will be obstacles and setbacks as we try to return a form of normalcy in healthcare. But, we are also being given an opportunity to improve it.
The facility that I work in continues to treat and care for COVID-19 patients at the highest level. We are supporting these patients with CRRT, ECMO, and invasive ventilation at its most advanced level. I can say nothing bad about the staff that I work with. They continue to give excellent care while maintaining contact with concerned family members. If anything, this pandemic has opened my eyes to the extraordinary capabilities of nurses.
The Future of Nursing and COVID-19
To say this hasn’t been a trying time would be a lie. But, I am more proud to be a nurse than ever. And I am excited to see what happens for us in the future as we continue to learn about and predict the course of this pandemic.
Some of us have lost our jobs, had contracts and extensions cancelled, or are furloughed due to reduced revenue of hospitals. Some nurses are continuing to fight the hardest battle of their careers in hotspots like New York and Massachusetts. NurseFly has posted the results to a survey of over 1300 nurses and their experience with COVID-19. Despite overall increased stress levels and concerns about safety, nurses say they will continue to work in healthcare. We are a strong and adaptable profession that sees our care as more than just a job.
We carry on and honor our commitment to our patients. Outside of healthcare, what other profession can claim that? We don’t do it for the glory or to be heroes. We do it because we care about people and the future of humanity
Amidst the plans of ‘reopening’ the economy, our voices become even more important. Nurses have a unique view at the bedside, and this perspective is becoming ever more valuable. Cheers to ALL nurses during this crazy Nurses Week and thank you for your dedication to your profession.
-RNRN
