As we move through 2024, health experts are warning that COVID-19 cases are rising once again. In many areas, hospitals are experiencing significant increases. Healthcare workers, especially those in medical-surgical nursing, must be ready to handle the potential wave of patients. With COVID cases in 2024 already climbing, preparation is essential to meet these demands.
Rising COVID Cases in 2024
The rise in COVID cases has not come as a surprise. New COVID variants and declining immunity from earlier vaccinations are contributing to the resurgence. Hospitals and clinics are already feeling the impact. For medical-surgical nurses, who are often the first to care for COVID patients, this increase means heavier workloads and a greater need for effective patient management.
Without adequate preparation, healthcare workers may experience burnout. Ensuring readiness will be crucial for providing quality care during the next surge.
How to Prepare for the Surge
1. Staffing Flexibility
During past COVID surges, staffing shortages were a major challenge. Many healthcare facilities stretched their teams, resulting in exhaustion and lower care standards. This time, facilities should prioritize flexible staffing arrangements. Partnering with a per diem agency can provide access to temporary staff, especially in high-demand areas like medical-surgical nursing.
Per diem nurses are a flexible resource, allowing hospitals to cover critical shifts without overwhelming full-time staff. With their support, facilities can respond quickly to rising COVID cases without compromising care quality.
2. Staff Training and Readiness
Continuous training for healthcare professionals is critical, especially for medical-surgical nurses. As COVID-19 evolves, patient care practices must be updated regularly. Ongoing education in infection control, patient protocols, and emerging treatments will help maintain high care standards during a surge.
Mental health support is just as important. Working through a new COVID surge is emotionally taxing, so healthcare workers need access to stress management resources. Facilities that offer support will improve their teams’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
3. Adequate PPE and Equipment Supplies
Previous COVID surges revealed the importance of having enough PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Masks, gloves, gowns, and face shields are essential for protecting healthcare workers. Medical-surgical nurses, who often have direct contact with COVID-19 patients, require proper protection.
Facilities should audit their PPE stock now to ensure they are ready for another surge. In addition to PPE, medical equipment, such as ventilators, must also be available to handle severe respiratory cases.
The Role of Per Diem Nursing in Handling a Surge
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, per diem nursing offers critical support. Per diem nurses, especially those trained in medical-surgical nursing, provide immediate relief during staffing shortages. They can step in quickly to fill gaps, helping facilities maintain high standards of patient care.
At EmpowerCare, we specialize in connecting healthcare facilities with experienced, flexible staff. Our per diem nurses are ready to step in during surges, ensuring that healthcare facilities have the coverage they need. We’ve helped many healthcare providers navigate past surges, and we are prepared to support you as COVID cases continue to rise.
Whether your facility requires temporary nurses for a few shifts or longer-term support, EmpowerCare can help. Our team understands the unique staffing challenges that arise during COVID surges, and we are committed to providing the right staff at the right time.
Conclusion
As COVID-19 cases increase, healthcare facilities must prepare now to handle the next surge. From ensuring flexible staffing to maintaining training and sufficient supplies for medical-surgical nurses, proactive steps are vital.
Partnering with a per diem agency like EmpowerCare can help your facility stay ready. Contact EmpowerCare today to secure flexible, experienced healthcare staff for the months ahead.