Nursing and midwifery workforce readiness during a global pandemic: A survey of the experience of one hospital group in the Republic of Ireland. (19th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ryder, Mary; Gallagher, Paul; Coughlan, Barbara; Halligan, Phil; Guerin, Suzanne; Connolly, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing management. Volume 30:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2021-09-19
• Subjects: education -- leadership -- management -- mobilization -- nursing -- survey; Nursing services -- Administration -- Periodicals; Nursing services -- Business management -- Periodicals; 610.73068
• DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13461
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-0429

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To explore the mobilization of nurses/midwives in a designated hospital group in Ireland during a global pandemic. Background: The recent global pandemic has resulted in the large‐scale worldwide mobilization of registered nurses and midwives working in the acute care sector. There is a dearth of literature reporting the mobilization of this professional workforce. Method: Mixed‐methods design using an electronic survey and facilitated discussion across one Irish hospital group. Results: Eight of 11 hospitals responded to the survey. There was a 2% vacancy rate prior to the pandemic. Mobilization included reconfiguration of clinical areas and redeployment of 9% of the nursing/midwifery workforce within 2 weeks of the pandemic. A total of 11% ( n = 343) of nurses/midwives were redeployed in 3 months. Nurses/midwives required re‐skilling in infection prevention control, enhancement of critical care skills and documentation. Conclusions: Three key areas were identified to enable the nursing workforce readiness. These are referred to as the three 'R's': Reconfiguration of specific resources, Redeployment of nurses to dedicated specialist areas and Re‐skilling of nurses to safely care for the patients during the pandemic. Implications for Nursing Management: A centralized approach to reconfiguration of clinical areas. Redeployment is enabled by closing non‐essential departments. Hands‐on re‐skilling and reorientating staff are essential.