NCCN Recommended Best Practices for Keeping Patients and Nurses Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic

Implications for Nurses

Oncology nurses should continue to follow the recommendations that are made at their institutions regarding screening protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance, and stay-at-home or return-to-work policies. There are high rates of distress, anxiety, and insomnia among healthcare workers due to COVID-19. This is something that must be addressed.

“I think that in general we are so concerned about our patients and their loved ones, as well as our own loved ones, that we do not take care of ourselves as diligently,” Dr Cinar noted.

There are many resources and toolkits that are currently available and some recommendations include taking breaks during shifts and finding time to do things that brings one joy. Balanced diet, adequate sleep and reaching out to support services or mental health providers are also important.

The committee recommends establishing clear stay-at-home and return-to-work guidelines. With no “play book” for health care institutions, all centers struggled in the early weeks of coping with the pandemic, noted Anne Jadwin, MSN, RN, vice president of Nursing and chief nursing officer at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At her institution, resources and new processes based on evidence and expert recommendations were mobilized very quickly to keep patients and staff safe. However, it was an overwhelming time for staff.

“It was realized early that providing frequent, factual information to staff was important in minimizing the disruption to clinical operations, and in allaying staff fears,” Ms Jadwin explained (email communication, April 2020). “Reassuring staff that the administration was doing everything possible to secure adequate supplies of PPE was also crucial in reducing panic in staff, especially in light of stories in the media.”

Rounds conducted by senior leaders and nursing professional development practitioners helped reinforce the new expectations for employee/patient screening and universal masking practices.  The team also recognized the strain on staff and mobilized mental health resources and counseling services, and instituted an administrative leave policy. Those deemed nonessential were permitted to work from home. The staff also accepted donations of food and snacks, which were greatly appreciated.

“We also encouraged creative solutions in addressing social isolation, leveraging technology to connect patients with their healthcare providers and family members.  We even hosted a wedding in the hospital for a seriously ill woman, permitting the groom to come into the hospital, and connecting the minister through Zoom,” said Ms Jadwin. 

Reference

Cinar P, Kubal T, MD, Freifeld A, et al. Safety at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic: how to keep our oncology patients and healthcare workers safe [published online April 15, 2020]. J Natl Compr Cancer Netw. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2020.7572