Pandemic Nursing is a new term that describes nursing care that is rushed, physically overwhelming, and emotionally draining and provided to an onslaught of critically ill patients. There are numerable contributing factors and adverse results related to Pandemic Nursing. I have witnessed firsthand in the halls of long-term care facilities and recognize the toll this environment is having on the nurses. The frantic, adrenalin pumping reaction to the disaster of the day, coupled with total exhaustion. Working in a Pandemic Nursing environment is a direct threat to patient safety. Is your facility working under Pandemic Nursing conditions? To assess the risk, answer these questions: Is the pace of work hectic? Is the station and records frequently disorganized? Have there been financial strains on the facility? Is there a shortage of staff? Has the nurse-to-patient ratios fluctuated higher? Has the level of care the patients require increased? Is the facility having difficulty recruiting and retaining staff? Add to this list of struggles the increased daily workload of, continuous donning of PPE, increased discharges and emergencies, isolated and depressed patients and constant testing and swabbing. Unfortunately, the results of practicing Pandemic Nursing are bad patient outcomes. A recent article by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices reported an increase of serious increased medication errors coupled with a trend by nurses to try
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Florida Health Care Association Chief Lobbyist and Navy senior chief, Bob Asztalos has been visiting nursing centers throughout the state of Florida to present them with medals honoring their service. The Florida Veterans Foundation has participated in these very special recognitions that honors the service of those who have served our country. For the oldest vets, who may have served in World War II, the nursing centers are now their home. Each veteran is honored in a ceremony and presented with a medal for their service. The program began when Florida Health Care noticed the World War II vets were dwindling at their annual Veterans Day breakfast. “We felt like we needed to recognize those veterans before they are all gone,” Asztalos explained, “but we also discovered Vietnam veterans who have so much conflicting emotions over their service.” One Vietnam veteran cried in gratitude and said it was the first time a person ever thanked him for his service. For more information on how you can honor your veterans complete the form below.
“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays ‘Cause no matter how far away you roam When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home!” Really? I may have to protest Perry Como’s illusion of family gatherings. For many, these forced get togethers are dreaded and for others the holidays are another reminder that they have limited or no family to celebrate with. The Mayo Clinic offers this advise on surviving the Holiday blues. Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping By Mayo Clinic Staff But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would. Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. Reach out. If you feel
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