Author: Fatimah Saleh Alsuwayidi, RN, MPH
Email:Alsuwayidialhada@gmail.com
Name:Mohammed Awwad
Name:Marievic Jane Flores
Name:Cherry Regla
Name:Xara Dumapat
Name:Jameelha Althalhi
Name:Abeer Fattouh Ali
Name:Shireen Safodien
Name:Katherine Galiguis
“Nursing in the Time of COVID-19: Insights into Preparedness, Challenges, and Recommendations for Sustainable Healthcare Workforce”
Abstract:
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented demands on healthcare systems globally, with nurses playing a critical frontline role. Ensuring their preparedness, safety, and psychological well-being became vital. This study examines the sources of information utilized by nurses, the perceived level of threats during the pandemic, and the key challenges they faced, in order to offer recommendations for improving healthcare workforce sustainability.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 340 nurses working in COVID-19 healthcare settings. Data collection focused on the sources of COVID-19 information, perceived threat levels, role changes, and complications experienced. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the distribution of responses, while qualitative feedback was collected to provide deeper insights into the experiences and needs of nurses during the pandemic.Results: Approximately 98% of the respondents relied on non-hospital sources for COVID-19 information. A significant majority (79%) reported moderate to high levels of perceived threat, primarily related to fear of virus transmission and insufficient protective measures. Key challenges identified included lack of institutional support, insufficient access to up-to-date scientific resources, and knowledge gaps in infection control protocols. Recommendations emerging from the data emphasize the need to enhance nursing staff competencies, streamline communication channels for timely information dissemination, and address staff shortages through policy reforms.Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role nurses played during the COVID-19 crisis and highlights the need for systemic reforms to better support the nursing workforce. Enhanced preparedness strategies, improved access to information, and focused efforts to address psychological well-being are crucial for maintaining a resilient and sustainable healthcare workforce during and beyond pandemics.Keywords: COVID-19, Nursing Preparedness, Healthcare Workforce, Pandemic Response, Nurse Challenges, Sustainable Healthcare, Infection Control.
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