There is no doubt that the pandemic has had a significant impact on hospitals across the globe. In the early stages of the pandemic, many hospitals were overwhelmed with patients and struggled to keep up with demand, which led to long waits for treatment, and in some cases, patients were turned away altogether.
This has resulted in lengthy waiting times for patients who require all aspects of treatment, from the diagnosis of an illness to the ongoing care that a hospital can provide. Hospitals have since made some changes to try and improve their capacity and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on their operations. However, the virus continues to present challenges.
Here’s a look at how COVID-19 has affected hospitals and what changes they’ve made in response.
In the early days of the pandemic, there was a surge of patients with COVID-19, as well as those coming in for other medical care, which led to overcrowding and long wait times for treatment.
In response to this, hospitals made some changes to their operations. Many hospitals increased the number of beds and staff, implemented new protocols for how patients are cared for. These changes helped to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on hospitals.
One of the biggest challenges that hospitals faced at the start of the pandemic was a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) as PPE is essential for protecting healthcare workers from exposure to COVID-19. This led to hospitals rationing their supplies and using creative solutions, such as reusing PPE or making their own.
Another challenge that hospitals faced and are still facing is a shortage of certain medications. Some medications, such as those used to treat cancer, remain in short supply due to the global supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, which has made it difficult for hospitals to care for all of their patients.
Despite the challenges, hospitals have made significant progress in adapting to the new reality of COVID-19 and are better equipped to deal with the impact of the virus.
The huge demand for qualified nurses
As a result of the effects of the pandemic, the demand for qualified nurses is now greater than it has ever been. The graduates who will be leaving nursing school this year will be welcomed into the profession with open arms, but the big question is, why are there not enough nurses to meet the demand?
There are a couple of reasons for this, one being that many experienced nurses have chosen to retire early due to the pandemic, which has created a significant shortage of experienced nurses at a time when they are needed most. Many individuals within the nursing profession were infected and as a result, needed to take off work to recover, leaving those who were able to work under enormous pressure.
These really were unprecedented times, and now that the pandemic is mostly behind us, the opportunities for new nurses to enter the profession are countless. They will also be entering the field in a less stressful environment compared to just a year ago. For those who are interested in a career in nursing, you can consider studying for an accelerated bachelor of science degree with an accredited provider such as Baylor University.
Another reason for the current nursing shortage is the decrease in the number of graduates over the years. This is due to a number of factors, including the high cost of tuition and the difficulty of getting into nursing school. As a result, there are simply not enough new graduates to replace the nurses who are retiring.
The shortage of nurses is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. The graduates who are coming out of nursing school this year will play a vital role in meeting the demand for qualified nurses. They will help to ensure that patients receive the care they need.
The future for nursing
There is no doubt that nursing graduates are in high demand. Healthcare facilities across the country are searching for qualified nurses to care for their patients.
Despite the challenges, the future looks bright for those who have chosen nursing as their career. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system as they provide direct patient care and also serve as educators and advocates for their patients. In addition, nurses play an important role in research and policymaking. With the increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice, nurses are well positioned to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of healthcare.
The demand for nurses is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging baby-boom population will need more medical care as they live longer and more active lives. In addition, the Affordable Care Act is expected to increase the demand for preventive care, which will require more nurses.
Nurses who are interested in advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or certified registered nurse anesthetist will find excellent opportunities in the coming years.
There has never been a better time to become a nurse, and despite the pressures that the profession endured during the pandemic, it is still a highly rewarding career with a great deal of benefits, both personal and financial.
