7 Ways Nursing has changed since Covid

Posted: October 7th, 2022

Covid has changed many things about the world, and nursing is no different. Nurses have had to adapt to a new reality in which they must take extra precautions to protect themselves and their patients.There are many ways nursing has changed since Covid.

Since the Pandemic, 80,000 to 180,000 have died between January 2020 and May this year. Every healthcare worker has had to adjust and adapt to the changes.

No doubt, the global Pandemic changed a lot of things. Even as we think of financial stability, disease prevention, and other issues, we should look at the nursing profession as one. Clinical nurse specialists and other healthcare professionals have worked to fight the global Pandemic.

The healthcare system has also been under constant changes. We have developed new policies to help cope with the challenges brought about by Covid-19. In this post. We evaluate ways nursing has changed since Covid.

Overview of Notable Ways Nursing has Changed Since Covid

Here are a few notable changes you may notice when you go to the hospital.

-Nurses are now required to wear more personal protective equipment (PPE) than ever. They include things like face masks, gloves, and gowns.

-Nurses must now practice social distancing. That means staying at least six feet away from other people and avoiding close contact with patients.

-Nurses must now perform even more hand-washing and sanitizing than before.

-Frontline nurses and the nursing community are performing patient education to ensure patients are aware of their condition and how to take care of themselves and loved ones.

-Inadequate personal protective equipment sometimes leaves nurses exposed to the virus. Nurses and their leaders continue to agitate for more protective equipment at work.

-healthcare professionals now have to learn how to work overtime. Sometimes the shifts run longer than usual. Nurses are also more open-minded to tasks outside their training.

-Nurses must now be extra vigilant in monitoring their health, as well as the health of their patients.

Ways Nursing has Changed Since Covid

The Role of Nursing and Policy Making

The role of nursing in policy-making has become more critical than ever before. Healthcare systems have implemented many policies during the Pandemic to keep people safe. Nurses are often the ones who have to implement these policies. They must know all the latest changes and be able to explain them to patients.

Nurses play a pivotal role in policy making. It is one of the key ways nursing has changed since covid. Now we get to understand the role nurses play in the hospital system.

Nurses are also often the ones who have to advocate for policy changes. For example, nurses may lobby for more PPE to be made available or for changes in how hospitals are run.

The American Nurses Association has been resourceful in research that aids in policy-making.

The Role of Nurses and Resource Management

These are just a few of the ways nursing has changed since Covid. Nurses have had to make significant adjustments to keep themselves and their patients safe. However, they have risen to the challenge and are doing everything they can to provide the best care possible during these difficult times.

Healthcare workers have been put to task in the management of resources. It is up to nurses and healthcare practitioners to make good use of the limited resources. In times of population health crises like Covid, resources are limited. It is the work and duty of nurse practitioners to ensure that health systems serve as many people as possible.

Nursing Profession and Nurse training

The Pandemic drew so much attention to the nursing profession. Many people are now aware of the role of nurses. As a result, there has been a sharp increase in the demand for nurses and nurse training. There was a record increase of 32% in nursing positions and nurse training in the U.K.

Training and practice are key ways nursing has changed since Covid.

The Pandemic exposed a problem with understaffed hospitals. Now more hospitals and healthcare providers are looking for more healthcare workers. Staffing shortages have prompted nations like the U.K to hire foreign registered nurses to assist with nursing duties.

Many students are now interested in taking a bachelor’s degree in nursing and other healthcare professional courses. Online learning has made it easier for many to pursue higher learning. Healthcare workers can also support patients and their family members through online platforms on best care practices.

Virtual learning does not affect the quality of training for nurses. Nursing students also experience clinical settings where they can engage a patient in patient rooms. Regulatory bodies ensure that each nursing student gets to spend time in community-based settings before they graduate and start practice.

Mental health for healthcare Workers

The overwhelming Covid cases during peak brought most of our healthcare workers to their knees. The lost lives and the devastated families weighed heavy on people caring for the patients. As a result, nurses and doctors had mental health concerns.

The high levels of stress and the pressure at work do not make it easy for nurses. Providing care requires you to care for yourself first.

Since Covid, nurses’ mental and emotional well-being has become a priority. Mental health support measures are now part of nurse practice. Our outlook on mental health adds to more ways nursing has changed since Covid.

Nursing and Personal Protective Equipment

The most significant change nursing has seen since Covid is the increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Nurses are now required to wear more PPE than ever before. It includes things like face masks, gloves, and gowns.

A PPE is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from the virus. However, it can also be one of the most challenging things to embrace. Wearing PPE for long periods can be uncomfortable, making it challenging to communicate with patients.

Another challenge nurses face is that PPE can sometimes be in short supply. That means that nurses must ration their use of PPE and ensure they only use it when necessary.

The increased use of PPE has also led to changes in how nurses interact with patients. For example, nurses may now have to communicate with patients through a face mask or shield. It can be difficult for both the nurse and the patient.

Overall, the increased use of PPE has significantly changed nursing. It has led to some challenges, but it is also a meaningful way to protect nurses from the virus.

World Health Organization takes on Changes in Patient care.

Covid brought changes to the nursing workforce and their role in patient care. Nurses understand the essence of patient well-being during treatment. Notably, the clinical practice and primary care are more holistic with more regard for mental health.

Though primary care for Covid is complex because of the nature of patients in critical care, healthcare providers have adopted new means of care. Advanced practice nurses had to step up to other roles and offer guidance to new graduates. Nursing assignments were put to the test, and many hospitals had to adjust.

Patients in the intensive care unit also required nurses with specialized care capabilities. Critical care nurses had more on their plate due to the growing number of patients losing their lives. Nurses’ mental health is vital to provide their patients with the best care. Nurses working in rapid shifts have new strategies for acute care. The increased risk of infection to nurses may make the job more difficult, thus affecting the quality of care.

The ways nursing has changed since Covid is clear in our hospitals. The world health organization laid emphasis on the need to support nurses and all healthcare workers.

Telehealth Services

One of the most significant ways nursing has changed since Covid is the increased use of telehealth services. Telehealth is the use of technology to provide healthcare services from a distance.

Telehealth has become increasingly popular during the Pandemic as it allows nurses to provide care to patients without having to be in the same room. It is essential because it helps to reduce the risk of transmission.

There are many types of telehealth, but some of the most common are video conferencing, phone calls, and text messaging.

Telehealth has led to some challenges for nursing. For example, assessing a patient’s condition is challenging without being in the same room. Additionally, there may be delays in getting test results back from a lab.

Despite these challenges, telehealth has been a big help for many nurses during the Pandemic. It has allowed them to continue caring for patients while keeping themselves safe.

Closing Thoughts on Ways Nursing has changed Since Covid

The Pandemic has led to many changes in nursing. Some of these changes have been difficult, but they have helped improve the quality of care nurses can provide. Healthcare systems have also seen tremendous change. Many countries built more hospital units, according to the world health organization. Also, the community now appreciates public health nurses and their role in primary care for patients.