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Ways for Nurses to Protect Themselves During Multiple Covid Waves: As it continues to sweep the globe, nurses are the front-liners of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses are now asked to do more than ever before, risking their lives day in and day out to save us all. From diagnosing patients to administering critical care, nurses are at the forefront of the fight against this deadly virus. In many ways, they are our unsung heroes. But what about their safety? Nurses need to take precautions to protect themselves from the virus while serving.
COVID-19: Not Leaving Us Alone
The world has been dealing with COVID-19 for more than two years. The virus has already claimed millions of lives around the globe. Because numerous variants continue to assault us every few months, the numbers aren’t decreasing anytime soon. Every new wave is deadlier than the previous one because many people have grown nihilistic and lax in their defenses. It is important to start taking FDA-Authorized Paxlovid as soon as you get diagnosed with COVID so that it does not spread in the body.
Nurses: Doing Their Duties
In addition to physicians, nurses are the frontline heroes of this pandemic. They’re on the ground serving and assisting people exposed to or at risk of being infected with COVID-19. It is not a simple task, especially when you realize what you tell yourself. Have you ever considered asking a nurse if they are scared? Of course, they’re afraid! What would you think their answers would be? After all, they have families, and they are knowingly putting themselves in danger. How can they be so brave? Through training, knowledge, and general compassion for others, the answer is honesty in their work.
If you’re a student contemplating a career in the healthcare sector as a nurse, consider studying for a higher education degree. A Master of Science in Nursing (FNP) degree will undoubtedly help you understand and handle complex medical issues, learn new skills in various areas of medicine, and qualify for higher salaries, taking your career to the next level.
How are nurses exposed to this deadly virus?
Nurses are constantly in close contact with patients who may be infected, which increases the risk of exposure to the virus. In addition, many nurses are working long hours and are not getting enough sleep, leading to fatigue and an increased risk of infection.
How has COVID changed the roles of nurses?
Nurses are now playing a more critical role in the health care system. They are on the front, caring for patients infected with COVID-19. In addition, they are also responsible for educating patients and their families about the virus and how to protect themselves.
Nurses must manage resources and work with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients get the best possible care. They also need to be aware of the latest updates on the COVID-19 virus and how they can impact their patients.
Furthermore, nurses are responsible for training the next generation of nurses and assisting those with difficulties. It necessitates that nursing professionals enroll in additional instructional courses to stay updated. After that, nurses have taken on an even more critical role in formulating public health policies. They’re also frequently consulted for their professional knowledge of the COVID-19 virus.
Given all these responsibilities, it’s understandable that nurses may feel overwhelmed and stressed during the pandemic period. However, they should not forget to take care of themselves too. Let’s look at how this epidemic affects nurses’ physical and mental health.
Risks and Damages to Nurses:
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Apprehension: Since the virus struck Earth, nursing is no longer simple. Some nurses compared working with COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit to being in a morgue. They said they felt like they were “waiting to die.”
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Stress: In the early days of the pandemic, nurses worked long hours, often without breaks. It led to a lot of pressure, resulting in physical health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
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Anxiety: Putting yourself in danger is one thing, but putting the safety of your loved ones at risk is quite another.
Nurses frequently worry about their family’s safety. Many nurses are concerned about going to work because they are not treating highly contagious patients.
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Depression: The combination of all these factors can lead to depression. Nurses may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for so many people and see no end in sight. Some have even contemplated suicide.
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Emotional Attachment with Patients: Most nurses were instructed not to keep a patient on a ventilator for more than 72 hours due to a lack of resources.
They were also barred from resuscitating a patient who stopped responding, which was unjust for nurses and caused them to feel guilt and increase anxiety levels.
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Physical and emotional exhaustion: Nurses work long hours, sometimes up to 16 hours in a row. They are not getting enough sleep, which leads to physical and emotional exhaustion. It can put them at risk of becoming ill or making medical errors.
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Stigma: There are still many stigmas associated with this virus, even though it’s now a global pandemic. Nurses may feel embarrassed or ashamed to be COVID-19-positive and worry that medical institutions think they’re useless.
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Isolation: Nurses are often isolated from other health professionals and may feel estranged in a medical facility, making it harder to handle personal issues.
The following are ways for nurses to protect themselves during multiple COVID-19 waves:.
1. Self-Care: A Necessity
Telling a nurse to prioritize their safety is ill-advised for apparent reasons. However, they can always take steps to ensure that they are taking care of themselves.
Nurses should:
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Take Some Time Out: It is OK to give yourself a break. Whether that means taking a few minutes every hour to walk around the block or taking an entire day off, make sure you are giving yourself time to relax.
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Avoid Isolation: While it is essential to take some time out for yourself, it is also important to avoid isolating yourself from others. Make sure you are staying connected with friends and family members.
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Stay Physically Active: Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood. It is also a great way to distract yourself from worries and stressors.
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Eat Healthily: Eating healthy helps your body stay strong and improves your mood. Ensure you are getting enough protein, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
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Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can increase stress and anxiety. Make sure you are getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.
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Take Breaks: It is crucial to take breaks during your workday. It will allow you to relax and recharge, which will help you stay focused later on.
In a nutshell:
Jade Flinn, RN from Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore), suggests that the most effective self-care practice while working on the front lines is to accept that it’s OK not to be OK.
She stated that nurses believe they have to retain their “hero” image by maintaining a solid and unshakable attitude, which does more harm than good.
Nurses are some of the most hardworking people on the planet. They put their lives at stake for patients infected with deadly viruses and contagious illnesses while dealing with stress and anxiety.
If you’re a nurse who feels overwhelmed or exposed, believe that you’re doing your best for your patients. At the same time, it is crucial to be attentive to your needs and manage your health.
