Nursing and midwifery workforce readiness during a global pandemic: A survey of the experience of one hospital group in the Republic of Ireland.
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ABSTRACT: Aim
To explore the mobilization of nurses/midwives in a designated hospital group in Ireland during a global pandemic.Background
The recent global pandemic has resulted in the large-scale worldwide mobilization of registered nurses and midwives working in the acute care sector. There is a dearth of literature reporting the mobilization of this professional workforce.Method
Mixed-methods design using an electronic survey and facilitated discussion across one Irish hospital group.Results
Eight of 11 hospitals responded to the survey. There was a 2% vacancy rate prior to the pandemic. Mobilization included reconfiguration of clinical areas and redeployment of 9% of the nursing/midwifery workforce within 2 weeks of the pandemic. A total of 11% (n = 343) of nurses/midwives were redeployed in 3 months. Nurses/midwives required re-skilling in infection prevention control, enhancement of critical care skills and documentation.Conclusions
Three key areas were identified to enable the nursing workforce readiness. These are referred to as the three 'R's': Reconfiguration of specific resources, Redeployment of nurses to dedicated specialist areas and Re-skilling of nurses to safely care for the patients during the pandemic.Implications for nursing management
A centralized approach to reconfiguration of clinical areas. Redeployment is enabled by closing non-essential departments. Hands-on re-skilling and reorientating staff are essential.
SUBMITTER: Ryder M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8646494 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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