COVID-19 Resources for Nurses
During the COVID-19 crisis, nurses are heroes. It is crucial that these healthcare workers, who are vital to society, carve some time out for self-care. After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Here are some resources to help nurses handle any burdens they may encounter while addressing COVID-19 concerns.
Nurses work in an environment full of increased risks of contracting COVID-19, so institutions must take extra caution to ensure safety. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration recommends that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against severe complications from COVID-19.
Wearing a mask in any public indoor area can help with protection. When not at work, choosing to wear a mask can also help prevent infection. You should even wear a mask at home if you are unsure of someone's exposure status or think they may be at high risk of transmitting the virus.
Having a disinfecting practice also goes a long way in keeping yourself protected. Disinfecting your hands and items you frequently touch, like a phone, reduces the risk of spreading germs. Changing into a different set of clothes after your shift is done aids in stopping the spread as well.
There is also a mental aspect to dealing with a Pandemic. Many have reported getting burnt-out, anxious, and overwhelmed. To avoid this, you should create healthy habits to deal with stress. Making sure you get enough sleep, eating healthy foods, journaling and exercising are just some of the ways you can support yourself.
Joining a support group for nurses can also help ease worries. Talking to people in the same profession is beneficial because they understand what it's like to be in your situation. Sharing stories and relating to peers is always a healthy coping mechanism. If you would like to remain anonymous, Reddit's r/nursing forum might be a good place for you to talk about any frustrations and concerns. You can sign up with an email and password without giving your information.
When off the clock, nurses should take the time to de-stress by participating in their favorite activities, like reading, listening to music, watching TV, or crafting. Nurses deserve time to recuperate and have fun.
In the long run, making sure nurses have the support they need will benefit everyone. Nurses are a crucial part of healthcare, and no one would get through the pandemic without them.
Inspiring Stories and Advice From the Nursing World
- Encouragement From a Nurse Leader
- Advice for Decontaminating After Work
- Tips to Work Through Emotions Amid the Pandemic
- How Different Nurses Handle Life Throughout COVID
- One Nurse's Navigation Through the ER in a Pandemic
- A COVID Guide for Nurses
- An ICU Nurse's COVID Experience
- Why Nurses Are Still Optimistic in a Pandemic
- An Interview With a Traveling Nurse
- The Outlook of Two Nurses Working During the Pandemic
Information on Protecting Yourself
- Preventing the Spread in a Work Environment
- How to Protect the Entire Family
- How Employers Should Contribute to Your Protection
- Tips to Decrease the Spread of Infection Among Nurses
- The CDC's Guide to Contain the Spread of Infection
- Protecting Nurses During the Pandemic
- Steps to Stay Safe in the Midst of a Pandemic
- Guaranteeing the Protection of Healthcare Workers
- The FDA's Guide on Face Masks
- Safety and Vaccine Facts From the American Red Cross
How to Implement Self Care and Mental Health Strategies
- Methods to Support Mental Health
- How to Keep Your Mind Healthy
- The Urgency of Mental Health for Healthcare Workers
- Self Care for Nurses
- Habits That Encourage Mental Wellness
- Supporting Mental Health Despite Coronavirus
- Keeping up With Mental Health Despite COVID-19
- Contributing to the Mental Health of Nurses
- Resources for Taking Care of Caregivers
- Strategies to Take Charge of Your Mental Health