Hospital-systems across the world experienced an unprecedented influx of critically ill patients throughout the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. This has placed great stressors on the workplace and frontline workers. Tireless efforts and long hours have led to strain on both the mental and physical health of employees. Hospital leadership and management are continuously implementing new measures to make their employees feel comfortable, safe, and valued during these uncertain times. Here at CardioVisual, we understand that there has been a significant learning curve for all that work in healthcare. Below are some helpful tools that employers and/or leaders can utilize to promote a healthy and safe environment within your workplace:
Supporting Staff Nurses in a Pandemic, from the American Association of Critical-Care
Nurses, focuses on the vital role nurse leaders play during times of crisis. Kishun Moolsankar, manager of the neurosurgical ICU at North Shore University Hospital in New York, explains how his nurses struggled with “ethical dilemmas, compassion fatigue, burnout and a sense of uncertainty and fear when coming to work.” Through innovative ideas and strong leadership qualities, he is able to continuously provide support to his frontline staff. Moolsankar states, “at the end of our shift, we gathered the staff and asked about feedback, materials, strategic placement of monitors, staff, supplies and what would improve the workflow.” Virtual meetings and preparation were key when it came to keeping lines of communication open.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidance on maintaining a healthy work environment during COVID-19. The organization mentions the important role businesses and employers play when it comes to mitigating the disease. Key points include addressing social stigma associated with the current COVID-19 outbreak and providing mental health support. Other points include briefing employees often, encouraging them to stay home when ill, promoting good respiratory hygiene (mask, paper tissues, closed disposal bins), and keeping the workplace clean and hygienic. Companies are encouraged to follow national travel advice and inform employees of any restrictions.
OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 can be found on OSHAS’s site.
We want to know more about how your workplace is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. What is working? What are some obstacles you are facing? Discuss in our secure, moderated, clinician-only forum: here