The Coronavirus has taken the entire world by storm, and the healthcare profession, without a doubt, has been the most affected. While healthcare professionals did anticipate that the number of people infected by COVID-19 was going to be high, they were unaware that the disease would spread so rapidly. And the numbers are only going to keep increasing for now, which means there will be new challenges for the industry in the coming months as they try and provide quality healthcare services to all those battling this potentially-deadly virus.
Nursing has always been in an in-demand profession, but this pandemic has only increased this demand by leaps and bounds. Nurses all over the world are currently making a substantial contribution to provide patients with the best possible care during COVID-19, and they are going to continue playing this integral role as this pandemic unfolds.
What does this mean for a nursing professional? It means that there is no better time than now to evaluate your current knowledge and skills and consider what you must do to prepare for the expected challenges you could face in the future as an associate of the healthcare industry.
Let’s have a look at the five ways in which you can reinvent your nursing career during COVID-19:
1. EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
There are currently a significant number of lucrative opportunities with high wages and additional benefits for more qualified nurses, particularly in areas that have been struck by COVID-19. Continuing your education can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to go one step further in your career.
Going to school again is a big decision that seems almost impossible in a time when nurses are already working beyond their full capacity. If this is the situation for you, consider enrolling in an online program. From a masters in nursing online program to RN to BSN programs, you have the option to gain various nursing qualifications online. An online degree is just as trustworthy as an on-campus program, plus you have the benefit of studying at a schedule that works for you.
2. LOOK OUT FOR GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE TRAINING PROGRAMS
The government is currently drafting and finalizing several different COVID-19 bills and incentive programs that will focus on increasing the supply of healthcare workers and providing them with the skills needed to perform their duties effectively during this pandemic. These programs will cover everything from entry-level certifications such as CNA to short-term training courses. It would be best if you were on the lookout for any such opportunities in your area.
3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES IN TELEHEALTH NURSING
COVID-19 will transform the healthcare system. Not only will healthcare professionals gain the skills, knowledge, and experience to deal with a global pandemic, but expected to be a significant increase in the demand for telehealth services. Patients can no longer visit hospitals for their routine check-ups and appointments, and even the COVID-19 assessment and support are being provided virtually as much as possible to reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
If you are someone with interest in healthcare from the telehealth perspective, now is the perfect time to look out for opportunities in the field. Virtual nurses are being hired to answer patient queries, assess their symptoms, connect them to the appropriate doctor, and even provide direct care through video monitoring of patients.
4. WORK IN A DIFFERENT STATE
The US government is allowing the state boards to temporarily loosen up their licensing restrictions and reduce the time required to apply and get approval for high-need nursing jobs. That is to ensure healthcare workers are available in areas where they are needed the most during the current COVID-19 crisis. That means nurses will be allowed to practice across state lines where necessary.
If you have a valid nursing license in one state but always wanted to explore opportunities in other locations, now is an excellent time to take advantage of these relaxed licensing requirements. Many of the high-need areas offer high wages as well as bonuses, quarantine pay, and additional stipends for working in emergency areas. Moreover, the experience you gain will surely add substantial value to your resume.
5. GET INVOLVED
As a nurse, you have an essential part to play in helping your community deal with this ongoing pandemic. You have the experience and experience to influence the decisions made at your hospital or other places of work. You should play an active role in finding solutions to the problems currently present at your organization due to the pandemic. For instance, you can help establish a strict monitoring system that will prevent the spread of disease while ensuring the best possible care is provided to the patients. It’s a perfect opportunity for a nurse to get involved, grow a professional network by interacting with colleagues and seniors and make a difference in the community.
CONCLUSION
In the days and months to come, nurses are going to continue playing a crucial role in providing care to patients in hospitals, in their homes, and all kinds of public healthcare settings as this pandemic unfolds. It means any investment that you make today to enhance your knowledge or skills is sure to bring positive outcomes and ensure that you prepare for what the future holds.
She is a content writer & editor for more than 12 years. She usually writes about technology news, country news, arts & science, travel & automobiles. She used to test the product and write reviews for popular magazines.
