Nurses have been on the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus since the virus was first detected in the United States. As the pandemic approaches the two-year mark, everyone will agree that nurses have gone above and beyond the call of duty. While COVID-19 has made indelibly marks on our lives and the healthcare industry, not all of them have been negative. New York nurses have found some positives that have come out of the global health crisis.
Closer Teams
From working longer than normal shifts to having to quarantine away from their families, nurses often spent more time with coworkers than they did at home with their loved ones. When you go through a crisis with others—especially an unprecedented situation like a pandemic—it’s natural to form strong bonds based on the shared experiences. Many teams became closer as a result, leaning on each other for support and holding up each other when they needed it most. These resulting friendships and relationships will be valued in the times to come.
Community Recognition
Another positive thing that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic was the amount of support and recognition health care workers received from the public. The importance of nurses may have been overlooked and perhaps underappreciated previously, but witnessing their dedication made people realize that heroes wear scrubs. People and businesses donated meals, flowers, and other gifts in appreciation for their hard work. And nothing was quite as moving as the 7 p.m. cheering New Yorkers did for healthcare teams during shift changes.
Greater Appreciation for Loved Ones
Before the pandemic, many of us embraced a hectic lifestyle, rushing from one thing to the next. However, witnessing the fragility of life has provided many nurses with a new appreciation for those closest to them. Many were moved to slow down during their off-hours and focus on the people they care about. Striking a healthy balance between work and personal fulfillment can be critical to happiness.
An Ability to Make a Difference
Being a nurse has always been a rewarding career choice, and during the pandemic, nurses had an opportunity to make a real difference in a worldwide healthcare crisis. Whether it was caring for sick patients or providing information to concerned families, nurses had the most one-on-one interaction with people who were affected by COVID-19. Each day they went to work, they changed lives. And each time a patient left the hospital, they had the deep satisfaction of knowing their work mattered a great deal.
There is still a need for trained nurses in our area. If you have been thinking about training to become a nurse, St. Paul’s School of Nursing offers a variety of programs that help you enter this rewarding field. Click here for more information or call us today at (855) 822-3018 and speak to one of our career counselors.