Increased Focus on Patient Advocacy: The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of patients, especially those with pre-existing conditions. Nurses witnessed the human cost of the virus firsthand and may feel a stronger sense of responsibility to advocate for their patients’ needs. This could involve ensuring they receive appropriate care, understand treatment options, or have access to necessary resources.

Example: A nurse working in the ICU throughout the pandemic might become more vocal about ensuring patients have access to palliative care services and that families can have meaningful goodbyes if their loved one doesn’t recover.

Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration: The pandemic strained healthcare systems, requiring increased collaboration between nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and other staff. This experience may have fostered a stronger sense of teamwork and appreciation for the interdisciplinary approach to patient care.

Example: A nurse who relied heavily on respiratory therapists during the surge of critically ill patients might become a stronger advocate for improved communication and collaboration between nurses and respiratory therapists in the future.

Resilience and Self-Care: Witnessing the devastation of COVID-19 may have led nurses to prioritize their own well-being and mental health. The importance of self-care and building resilience became crucial for preventing burnout and ensuring they could continue providing quality care.

Example: A nurse who experienced moral distress during the pandemic might become more proactive in seeking mental health support and advocating for stronger support systems for nurses experiencing stress or burnout.

Shifting Priorities: The pandemic might have caused some nurses to reevaluate their career paths. Witnessing the impact of the healthcare system’s limitations could lead some to pursue public health roles or areas focused on preventative care.

Example: A nurse who volunteered in overwhelmed emergency rooms during the pandemic might decide to pursue a career in public health policy or health education to address the root causes of health disparities that were exposed by the pandemic.

These are just a few examples, and the impact of COVID-19 will vary depending on each nurse’s individual experiences. However, it’s clear that the pandemic has had a profound effect on the nursing profession, shaping nurses’ values, beliefs, and approach to patient care.