Nurse Practitioners Rising to the Challenge During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Homes

Abstract

Background and Objectives There is an urgency to respond to the long-standing deficiencies in health human resources in the long-term care (LTC) home sector, which have been laid bare by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) represent an efficient solution to human resource challenges. During the current pandemic, many Medical Directors in LTC homes worked virtually to reduce the risk of transmission. In contrast, NPs were present for in-person care. This study aims to understand the NPs’ roles in optimizing resident care and supporting LTC staff during the pandemic. Research Design and Methods This exploratory qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach. A purposive sample of 14 NPs working in LTC homes in Ontario, Canada was recruited. Data was generated using semi-structured interviews and examined using thematic analysis. Results Four categories relating to the NPs’ practices and experiences during the pandemic were identified: a) containing the spread of COVID-19; b) stepping in where needed; c) supporting staff and families; and d) establishing links between fragmented systems of care by acting as a liaison. Discussion and Implications The findings suggest that innovative models of care that include NPs in LTC homes are required moving forward. NPs embraced a multitude of roles in LTC homes, but the need to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 was central to how they prioritized their days. The pandemic clearly accentuated that NPs have a unique scope of practice, which positions them well to act as leaders and build capacity in LTC home.

Adult Day Program Directors’ Experiences Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…These increased responsibilities occurred amidst messaging that their client and caregiver populations were especially susceptible to the effects of the novel coronavirus (Meisner et al, 2020). The nonstop responsibilities to their organizations, the provision of services, and clients, caregivers, and staff are consistent with other research into frontline personnel pandemic experiences (Aquilia et al, 2020; McGilton et al, 2021). This study complements and extends the literature to include the impact that these seemingly purely professional experiences have on their personal lives.…”

Nurse practitioners’ perception of temporary full practice authority during a COVID-19 surge: A qualitative study

“…In regards to the nurse practitioner perception of versatility and disposability, our paradoxical results are consistent with other studies on the nursing experience during COVID surges. Nurse practitioner versatility is highlighted in Canadian long term care facilities, where nurse practitioners stepped into new roles when the medical directors moved to remote work ( McGilton et al, 2021 ) and at a Michigan hospital, where pediatric acute care nurse practitioners were trained and deployed to provide care in the adult COVID-19 intensive care units ( Renke et al, 2020 ). In both studies, this role flexibility is perceived to be a positive attribute.…”

Healthcare Safety Nets during the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Double Diamond Model: A Concept Analysis

“…Government and health systems are providing education to those affected by COVID-19 for psychological and social cohesion, as well as providing updates on the discovery and development of the latest pandemic, improving nurses' abilities to care for patients with COVID-19 [48]. Additionally, nurses contribute to providing a better working environment by providing emotional support through education to employees who are concerned about being infected with the virus themselves [49]. Therefore, a healthcare education system that can enhance the level of knowledge about COVID-19, actively practice prevention activities [50], and increase patient participation must be implemented [44].…”