As we start in 2021, we need to view this year as a transformative new beginning. Without a doubt, healthcare and nursing have changed forever. My monthly “Desk of the Chief Nurse Blog” will focus on actions that will empower the nursing profession to be successful in the new paradigm of care.
So, what should we focus on in 2021?
Increasing patient access to care via telehealth
Ensures any person who requires care has access to it. Telehealth is a unique opportunity to gain a view of the patient’s home environment and their needs. Telehealth skills need to be taught in nursing programs and to practicing nurses.
Using patient-centered, team models of care
Needs to become the norm in crisis situations. Primary care models do not accommodate the surge of patients or the severity of illness we see in the pandemic. The concept of working collaboratively in a team model of care needs to be taught to nursing students, practicing nurses, and all healthcare professionals.
Supporting nursing skill development and competency
To increase the agility and efficiency of the workforce needs to be a top priority for healthcare systems. The pandemic has revealed the need to upskill the nursing workforce to move easily between different units, such as between progressive and critical care and med/surg and telemetry.
Fostering workforce resiliency
Is paramount during this critical time. Healthcare professionals are physically and mentally exhausted and are facing moral injury. Nursing students are also extremely stressed about their futures. Organizations must do everything in their power to ensure workforce safety and never lose sight of the humanity of caring.
