SCCM Resource Library-More Than a Helping Hand: A nurse’s perspective on the rapidly changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic

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The article highlights the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, specifically focusing on Dr. Carissa Quinn, a critical care clinical nurse specialist, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially appreciated as heroes, healthcare workers like Dr. Quinn found the label burdensome, leading to unrealistic expectations and contributing to burnout. Nearly one in five healthcare workers left their jobs due to these pressures, with over half of nurses considering a similar decision.<br /><br />Dr. Quinn's journey reflects the broader struggles within the healthcare industry. She began her career with a strong desire to help others and has worked in various roles, including at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and currently at the Mayo Clinic. Her responsibilities include supporting medical ICUs and improving nursing practices. However, the pandemic has drastically altered the healthcare landscape, requiring rapid adaptation to emergent situations with limited information about COVID-19.<br /><br />Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Quinn relied on resources from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) to navigate the challenges of providing care under uncertain conditions. Despite the professional demands and personal risks, Dr. Quinn remained committed to her role, even considering relocation to a smaller city to manage the situation better for her family. The difficulties of working in healthcare during the pandemic led to a sense of perpetual exhaustion and frustration, prompting reflection on the benefits of persistence and resilience.<br /><br />Dr. Quinn acknowledges that maintaining emotional and mental well-being is crucial, focusing on the present and what she can positively impact through her work. Her story ultimately underscores the dedication of healthcare professionals and the toll that the pandemic has taken on their personal and professional lives.

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Crisis Management, 2022, 0:08:00

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This article was first published in the Spring 2022 issue of Critical Connections.

Nearly one in five healthcare workers quit their jobs since the start of the pandemic. More than half of nurses are considering leaving their positions within the next six months. This article follows the Carissa Quinn, DNP, APRN, ACCNS, on her journey during the COVID-19 pandemic and how SCCM's resources gave her the confidence to manage the rapid changes happening.

Critical Connections, the critical care industry's only newsmagazine, provides information on cutting-edge topics in critical care useful to the entire multiprofessional team.

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Meta Tag

Content Type Article

Knowledge Area Crisis Management

Knowledge Level Foundational

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Membership Level Associate

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Tag COVID-19

Year 2022

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic

healthcare professionals

Dr. Carissa Quinn

burnout

nursing practices

Society of Critical Care Medicine

emotional well-being

critical care

healthcare industry

pandemic challenges

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