From Parth Bhakta, CEO and Founder of Vivian Health, and Rachel Norton, ICU Travel Nurse from Vivian Health community
As we enter another week of COVID-19, we continue to read, hear and, in the experience of healthcare workers, witness, the devastating nationwide effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
We’ve seen thousands of nurses around the country continue to rise up and help areas hardest hit, but not without challenges to nursing and perils across health systems nationwide. Last week, the US experienced the deadliest day on record, as state governments start to navigate the obstacles of local reopening timelines.
A few key trends we’re tracking as the healthcare work environment is reaching new levels of volatility:
In today’s climate, our nation’s healthcare workers are our most important asset, as they bring not only critical patient care, but an unmatched dedication to our safety and well-being. Amidst the crisis, we’ve seen bright spots as nurses band together in celebration of recovered patients, or even getting into character for patients entering the hospital.
Within the past few months, we’ve also heard increasing concerns from the travel nurse community as they confront conflicting information on conditions in hospitals, job security and personal safety. While there is a desire to take action and join the frontlines, travel nurses are uncertain about what they will face once they begin the assignment.
This week marks the start of National Nurses Week, and an opportunity for us to step back and take stock of nurses’ experience on the COVID-19 frontlines. As part of our mission to bring transparency to healthcare work, we wanted to bring to light what our community is experiencing on the frontlines.
We surveyed over 1,380 nurses and healthcare professionals from our community about hospital conditions, PPE, preparedness and the state of communications from national and local officials. We asked for details on stress levels, and how they feel about their personal safety following COVID-19 assignments.
There was an overwhelming sentiment of stress for nurses, and an underwhelming report of hospitals providing them with resources to support their well-being.
Overall, respondents confirmed what we’ve been hearing in the news: there was an overall lack of investment in day-to-day preparedness for their roles to treat COVID-19 patients.
“Nurses are asking, do we have enough ventilators? Enough IV pumps? Enough medication to keep these patients comfortable and alive throughout their illness? There are no good answers. As healthcare professionals, we are preparing [every day] to have to adapt our practices to give care with limited resources and supplies.” - Rachel Norton, ICU Nurse
Satisfaction with government response and communications was notably divided between state vs. national response. Nurses felt general satisfaction with the state’s response to COVID-19, but were dissatisfied with federal response, likely due to preparedness of individual governors.
These findings are only the beginning of our commitment to raise awareness around the nurse experience, and to mobilizing national support for the healthcare community, today and in the future.
One of the most compelling findings from the survey was that more than 80% of nurse respondents are likely or very likely to continue working in healthcare after the COVID-19 crisis ends, showing the resilience and commitment behind their work as we navigate the next chapter of the pandemic.
"The findings illustrate the boundless compassion, bravery, and honor of nurses (and all healthcare workers!). Despite not knowing if we will continue to be protected or employed, we carry on and continue to give the best possible care in the environment in which we are practicing. 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.” - Rachel Norton, ICU Nurse
Ready to help with COVID-19 efforts? We’re keeping an updated list of assignments at vivian.com/covid19. Apply now and we’ll immediately put you in touch with a recruiter that can give you more information.
Need help navigating COVID-19 as a nurse?? We've put together a resource center for all you need to know, including up-to-date licensing information, and even great apps to help with your mental health. COVID-19 Resource Center
Not ready yet? Make sure to keep your Vivian Universal Profile up-to-date. This will speed along the application process at over 50 agencies once you are ready to join the fight.
Know of any others who might want to help? Please share our COVID-19 Facebook post with any healthcare professional friends who might be interested.