The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented demand for nurses to provide hospital and other forms of care. The burden has been devastating for nurses, who comprise America’s largest health care workforce. As a result, nurses are leaving the workforce due to burnout, a lack of child care, contracting COVID-19 themselves, or other health concerns, accelerating an already existing nursing shortage in the United States. As nurses continue to provide most of the nation’s care, it is critical to explore strategies to support them, raise their voices as trusted messengers in media and other forums, and strengthen the nursing workforce.
Speakers will discuss:
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How critical issues in nursing were brought to light by the pandemic, including staffing shortages, burnout, and the essential roles of nurses
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The trusted role of nurses, and how to elevate their voices to address vaccine hesitancy and educate journalists about their value as resources
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A health plan foundation’s efforts to build a diverse pipeline of the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders