A recent survey of 21,503 nurses by the American Nurses Association revealed key findings on personnel equipment and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chronic problem with adequate stocks of personal protective equipment for nurses continues as the coronavirus pandemic heads into the dreaded fall and winter months. Many nurses feel unsafe because of the shortages — and the continued reprocessing and reuse of N95 respirators, which are designed for single use only — according to the American Nurses Association.

Few questions are of greater concern to emergency health personnel these days than how they can protect themselves from COVID-19. It is an issue loaded with nuance. Much depends on such factors as how someone works in the emergency department, what procedures they perform, what specific practices they use when performing those procedures, and how often they are exposed.

The continuing onslaught of COVID-19 is decimating the ranks of U.S. healthcare workers, leading to calls for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue an infectious disease standard requiring employers to protect medical staff.

Although they have paid a high price for recognition, nurses are among the high-profile heroes on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The profession has an opportunity to leverage this moment to improve their status and standing in healthcare.

The continuing onslaught of COVID-19 is decimating the ranks of U.S. healthcare workers, leading to calls for OSHA to issue an infectious disease standard requiring employers to protect medical staff.

A highly experienced nurse knew to remain calm and turn her healing power inward as she fought COVID-19 in patient isolation for six long days in a hospital.