How the pandemic impacted nursing and healthcare systems

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on healthcare systems and nursing practices around the world. As the virus spread, nurses spearheaded the response, working tirelessly to care for patients while adapting to new challenges and changes in their practice. From increased workload to personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, nurses overcame numerous obstacles to care for patients in need. Below, we explore the impact of the pandemic on nursing practice and healthcare systems, focusing on the changes that occurred in nursing.

Changes in nursing during the pandemic

Nursing practice changed dramatically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses had to adapt to new ways of providing care, including increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and new technologies. They also had to manage an increased workload as hospitals and healthcare systems were overwhelmed with patients.

PPE became a critical component of nursing practice during the pandemic. Nurses were required to wear masks, gloves, and gowns to protect themselves and their patients from infection. However, using PPE also presented challenges, such as the need for frequent equipment changes and the discomfort and fatigue associated with prolonged use.

Another change in nursing practice during the pandemic was the increased use of technology. Telehealth, for example, became a vital tool for nurses to communicate with patients and other healthcare providers while minimizing the risk of transmission of the virus. Virtual visits and remote monitoring also became more common, allowing nurses to provide care to patients from a distance.

Shortage of nurses and BSN jobs

The nursing shortage in the United States and other countries around the world has been an ongoing issue for many years, but the pandemic worsened this problem. It increased the demand for healthcare workers, particularly nurses, and exposed the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems already facing shortages of trained professionals.

One potential solution to the nursing shortage is promoting BSN jobs. BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a degree program that prepares students for a career in nursing. Students can study in person or online at accredited institutions like Rockhurst University, where they will develop their nursing practice and understanding of the field. BSN jobs are in high demand in the healthcare industry because they require a higher level of education and training, which translates into better patient care outcomes.

Employers are increasingly looking for nurses with BSN degrees to fill open positions, and they often offer higher salaries and bonuses to those with advanced degrees. In addition, many hospitals and healthcare systems now require their nurses to have BSN degrees or to pursue advanced degrees as a condition of employment.

The shortage of nurses has had a significant impact on patient care and healthcare systems. Nurses are often overworked, and facilities are understaffed, leading to burnout and a decrease in the quality of care that patients receive. The nursing shortage has also led to the closure of hospital units and healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas where the shortage is most acute.

Mental health challenges for nurses

Besides the obvious physical health challenges, many people, especially nurses, experienced mental health challenges during the unfortunate events of the last few years. The pandemic put a strain on the mental health of nurses, who were dealing with an increased workload, long hours, and the emotional toll of caring for critically ill patients.

Nurses have been working tirelessly on the frontlines of the pandemic, often under conditions of extreme stress and pressure. Many medical staff experienced anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues because of their work during the pandemic. They were also at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to exposure to traumatic events and high levels of stress.

To address these mental health challenges, healthcare organizations implemented various programs to support nurses’ mental health. Some organizations offered counseling services and mental health resources, such as stress management training and resilience-building programs. Others implemented peer support programs, which connected nurses with their peers who could offer emotional support and a listening ear.

Technological advances in nursing practice

The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated technological advances in nursing practice. Telehealth, for example, became a vital tool for nurses to communicate with patients and other healthcare providers while minimizing the risk of transmission of the virus. Remote monitoring and virtual visits also became more common, allowing nurses to provide care to patients from a distance.

These technological advances have the potential to improve patient care outcomes and make healthcare more accessible and efficient. However, they also present challenges, such as the need for training and education to use new technologies effectively and the potential for technological solutions to widen existing health disparities.

Impact on nursing education 

Nursing students were unable to participate in clinical rotations due to safety concerns, resulting in delays in their education and graduation. This disruption had a ripple effect on nursing, as it limited the number of new nurses entering the workforce.

To address this issue, many nursing schools and healthcare organizations developed alternative approaches to clinical education, such as virtual simulations and telehealth experiences. These approaches allowed nursing students to gain experience in patient care while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus.

Additionally, the pandemic highlighted the need for more diversity in the nursing workforce. Nurses from diverse backgrounds are essential to providing culturally competent care and addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Nursing schools and healthcare organizations are working to promote diversity in the nursing workforce through outreach and recruitment efforts.

Impact on patient care

Hospitals and healthcare systems were overwhelmed with patients during the height of the pandemic, and many nurses were working under extreme stress and pressure. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of patient-centered care, with nurses working to provide care that focused on the needs of each patient.

The pandemic also highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control measures in patient care. Nurses played a critical role in implementing these measures, from hand hygiene to isolation precautions. In addition, the pandemic underscored the need for effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, as well as the importance of empathy and emotional support.

Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, nurses continued to provide quality care to patients in need. They demonstrated their resilience and dedication to the nursing profession, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Challenges and opportunities for the future

The COVID-19 pandemic brought numerous challenges to nursing practice and healthcare systems but also presented opportunities for innovation and improvement. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth and other technological advances, highlighting their potential to improve patient care outcomes and make healthcare more accessible and efficient.

The pandemic also highlighted the need for increased investment in nursing education and workforce development. Healthcare systems must prioritize the recruitment and retention of nurses, particularly those with advanced degrees, to address the ongoing nursing shortage and meet the needs of patients and communities.

Also, healthcare organizations must prioritize nurses’ mental health and well-being, providing them with the resources and support they need to cope with the mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Impact on public health

The pandemic had a significant impact on public health, not only in terms of the physical health effects of the virus but also the importance of public health measures to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. Nurses played a critical role in promoting public health during the pandemic, from educating the public on infection prevention measures to administering vaccines and conducting contact tracing.

One of the key public health measures during the pandemic was vaccination. Nurses were at the forefront of administering vaccines, from COVID-19 to routine vaccines, ensuring that individuals received the protection they needed to stay healthy. They also played a critical role in educating the public on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, addressing concerns, and dispelling myths.

The pandemic also highlighted the importance of addressing underlying health disparities in underserved communities. Nurses from diverse backgrounds are essential to providing culturally competent care and addressing health disparities, particularly in communities of color that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Nurses worked to address these disparities by promoting health equity and advocating for policies and practices that address the social determinants of health.

Opportunities for advancement in nursing practice

The recent health crisis presented significant opportunities for advancement in nursing practice, particularly in the areas of telehealth and digital health. Adopting telehealth and other technological advances allowed nurses to provide care to patients from a distance and communicate with other healthcare providers more effectively.

Telehealth has the potential to improve patient access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where access to healthcare services may be limited. Nurses played a critical role in implementing telehealth, from providing education and training to patients to ensuring that the technology was user-friendly and effective.

Additionally, the pandemic highlighted the importance of research in nursing practice, particularly in the development of new treatment and prevention strategies for infectious diseases. Nurses are essential to conducting research and applying evidence-based practices to patient care, improving outcomes, and promoting the advancement of the nursing profession.

The importance of interprofessional collaboration

Nurses worked closely with other healthcare providers, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and public health officials, to provide care to patients and prevent the spread of the virus, highlighting the importance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare delivery.

Interprofessional collaboration is essential to providing high-quality patient care and improving patient outcomes. It allows healthcare providers to work together effectively, leveraging their diverse perspectives and expertise to address complex healthcare challenges. Nurses played a critical role in this collaboration, contributing their unique perspectives on patient care and promoting effective communication and coordination among healthcare providers.

The future of nursing 

The pandemic highlighted the critical role that nurses play in the healthcare system and the need for continued investment in the nursing profession. The future of nursing will be shaped by ongoing challenges and changes in healthcare delivery, such as the adoption of new technologies and the need to address health disparities.

To prepare for the future of nursing, healthcare organizations must prioritize nursing education and workforce development, including recruitment and retention of nurses with advanced degrees. They must also prioritize the mental health and well-being of nurses and support their ongoing professional development and advancement. Nurses must also continue to advocate for policies and practices that promote health equity and address the social determinants of health, ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality, culturally competent care.

The role of nurses in disaster response 

Nurses are fundamental to effective disaster response, as they carry out essential activities, from providing care to affected individuals to promoting public health and safety.

Disaster response requires unique skills and knowledge, including the ability to respond quickly and effectively to rapidly changing situations. Nurses are trained to respond to disasters, from natural disasters to pandemics, and play a critical role in ensuring that affected individuals receive the care and support they need.

Moving forward, it is essential to continue investing in disaster preparedness and response, including educating and training nurses in disaster response. This investment will benefit individuals and communities affected by disasters and promote the resilience and preparedness of the healthcare system as a whole.

The importance of nursing leadership during the pandemic 

Nursing leadership was an important part of the pandemic response, from providing guidance and support to nursing staff to developing and implementing new policies and procedures to ensure patient and staff safety.

Effective nursing leadership was essential in ensuring that healthcare organizations were prepared to respond to the challenges presented by the pandemic, including the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), the need for additional staffing, and the adoption of new technologies and practices.

It is essential to continue investing in nursing leadership in the future, providing opportunities for professional development and advancement and promoting the development of leadership skills among nursing staff.

The role of nurses in advocating for health policy

Nurses play a critical role in advocating for health policy, from promoting public health and safety to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity.

Recent events highlighted the need for policies and practices that address the social determinants of health, promote health equity, and ensure that all individuals have access to high-quality, culturally competent care.

Nurses can play a critical role in advocating for these policies and practices, leveraging their unique perspectives on patient care and public health to promote positive change. This advocacy can take many forms, from engaging in legislative and policy advocacy to participating in community-based initiatives and promoting public health education and awareness.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on nursing practice and healthcare systems, from changes in nursing practice to the shortage of nurses and the demand for BSN jobs, mental health challenges faced by nurses, and technological advances in nursing practice. Nurses were on the frontlines of the pandemic response, demonstrating their resilience and dedication to providing quality care to patients in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Looking to the future, it is essential to prioritize nurses’ mental health and well-being and continue investing in nursing education and workforce development. Healthcare systems must also continue to adapt to new challenges and changes in healthcare delivery, such as the adoption of telehealth and other technological advances.

The pandemic highlighted the essential role that nurses play in the healthcare system, from providing care to patients to promoting public health and wellness. It’s critical to continue supporting and valuing the nursing profession to ensure that we have a strong and capable workforce to meet the needs of our communities, now and in the future.