[Alan]

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted preexisting problems in the healthcare system and created many new ones. These problems eventually came avalanching down, overwhelming healthcare systems and organizations. The fear of spreading the virus and restricted access to medical facilities and providers forced the healthcare system to adapt and adopt alternative approaches for providing medical attention. Instead of the traditional patient-provider interaction for addressing health needs, telehealth became the norm for outpatient and primary care follow-up. For minor health concerns and follow-ups, the use of virtual communication made it possible to deliver care in a more timely, efficient, cost-friendly, and convenient manner for both the patient and provider. Some factors that affected people from accessing healthcare services, such as lack of transportation, time, and inflexible work schedule, were no longer a major impediment for those seeking medical attention. In addition, the availability and use of cell phones have made it easier for people to connect. Therefore, the pandemic showed the importance of broadband access and how its application can revolutionize healthcare delivery, especially in rural, hard-to-reach areas. Moving forward, I think it will be essential to expand broadband networks and access to remote areas and find ways to provide easy access to vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.

[Alan]

The role and responsibilities of DNPs go beyond just functioning in a clinical practice setting. DNPs work in academia, administration, and conduct research to influence nursing practices based on evidence. Additionally, DNPs seek to improve quality care and healthcare delivery systems (Gaines, 2021). Appropriate compensation for DNPs is an important topic, and those who pursue higher education and have earned a terminal degree deserve higher salaries. If there is no significant difference in salary between APRNs with a Master’s or Doctorate degree, nurses would have no incentive to pursue a terminal degree in their specialty. DNP-prepared nurses undergo additional education and training, which allows the development of advanced clinical and leadership skills and a better understanding of systems thinking.

[Alan]

The COVID-19 crisis changed the landscape of the healthcare system. Although the pandemic brought fear, death, and created many financial and social problems, it also exposed how broken the U.S. healthcare system is. It also brought to the forefront the essential role frontline nurses play in healthcare, and the impact nurse burnout and shortage can have on the healthcare system. I worked as an ICU RN on a COVID-designated unit throughout the entire pandemic. I witnessed the various waves and the enormous impact of the pandemic. Looking at the graph, I agree with the descriptions for each wave. I witnessed innumerable deaths during the 1st and 2nd wave. In addition, I saw the COVID-19’s impact on the quality of life for those patients who were fortunate to survive. Personally, the 4th wave truly hits home. The workload and management of critically ill COVID patients were extremely overwhelming. The feeling of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, stress, and exhaustion took a toll on my mental and physical health. Physically, I’m still trying to recover my strength and energy. Mentally, I suffer from PTSD and burnout.

[Author]

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