Nurses are playing a vital role in this pandemic – as always

The profession’s contribution to improve the people’s health during times of crisis dates back to the days of Florence Nightingale.

Nurses have been the stars for this pandemic across the globe for their exemplary courage, dedication and perseverance. The views on nursing and nurses are based on the personal experiences with nurses. The experience may not provide the accurate picture of all that nurses do and are capable in the healthcare delivery process. Along with the doctors nursing professionals have a dynamic role in all aspects of healthcare delivery system.

The role of the nursing fraternity is more important than ever during the current pandemic. Nurses play a crucial role in achieving the healthcare objectives by being the most important link in the process of healthcare delivery. Their work varies from providing direct care to affected patients to leading public health operations; nurses are at the front and centre working around the clock to protect the health of patients and the public.

In this current pandemic nurses from all over the world have been tirelessly involved in the care of COVID-19 patients and are focused on infection prevention and control among patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. The nursing community is in the risk zone, particularly those in intensive care units (ICU) in the management or directly involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is working without adequate rest, with limited considerations for their mental and physical health.

It is indeed a triple role for a nurse: managing patients, COVID-19 response and caring for self. Nurses will always be at the forefront caring for the world at large irrespective of the situations. Nurses have proved and will keep on proving themselves as the health warriors who have taken the responsibility willingly with their heart , soul and have “stepped up and beyond” their calling.

Betsy George
Nursing Superintendent
OMNI Hospitals, Visakhapatnam