For the past year, the world is suffering from an unprecedented crisis. The highly contagious virus, COVID-19, wreaked havoc in the world. While some people remained unaffected by the virus, millions lost their lives. During the initial days, a crisis of leadership made things bleak. Healthcare systems struggled with overwhelming patients and a shortage of life-saving equipment. There was a lot of in-fighting between communities as resources dwindle.
Thankfully, things improved with time. Public health organizations played a vital role. They publicized efficient strategies to curtail the spread. They also served on mobile strike teams. These teams investigated cases, educated the masses, and improved access to care. Front line workers also worked tirelessly to save lives and provide medical assistance. Thousands of health professionals rejoined the workforce to provide aid. Despite their critical role, medical professionals are underfunded and undervalued. Several workers report stress and burnout because of these issues. These professionals are the unsung heroes of the pandemic.
With global vaccine rollouts, things are finally getting back to normal. But, we are not out of danger yet. Now is the time to strengthen our response and improve policies. During this time, public health officials play a critical role. Doctors, public health educators, and nurses work with public bodies to improve emergency operations. A public health nurse can also reduce health risks through door-to-door services. There are several other responsibilities of a public health nurse.
What do public health nurses do?
Community health nursing is not as narrow as conventional nursing. They try to improve the public health of populations. Public health includes the prevention of chronic diseases and improving the well-being of communities.
Therefore, public health nurses create policies to improve access to healthcare. They also share strategies and resources for disease prevention, such as proper handwashing techniques. A public health nurse may work in different organizations such as hospitals, community clinics, and schools. They also visit communities to improve healthcare inequities and accessibility. So, public health nurses visit to conduct screenings, treat patients, and educate them about diseases.
However, there is a lot of background work involved in public health. Nurses monitor metrics of public health like lifestyles, social and environmental influences. Since every community is unique, they need strategies to address public health issues.
The role of schools in public health crises
While fewer children are suffering from COVID compared to adults, the numbers are rising. They can carry the virus to others. Furthermore, some children with underlying diseases can get severely ill from COVID. Some children are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 and other public health issues. So, how can we help these children?
More than 1.3 billion children are studying in schools. Out of these, several either live in poverty or disturbed home environments. Therefore, public health agencies work with schools to protect and improve the lives of these children. They introduce school health strategies to use education and health to develop outcomes. Currently, teachers teach comprehensive health education to hone the skills of students. They help them acquire health literacy and adopt healthy habits. But, what can nurses do to improve public health in schools?
How public health nurses can assist schools
Public health nurses and other school nurses can play a vital role in supporting children and parents during the pandemic. As schools reopen, nurses must ramp up evaluation procedures for symptoms. They can also help administrators in implementing strategies, including contact tracing and testing protocols. Thousands of families are struggling to afford healthcare. Public health nurses can help these individuals get access to health coverage. They can educate families about healthcare services available at the schools.
Nurses can also help monitor other public health issues, such as psychological, social, emotional, and mental issues. They report suspected neglect and abuse to the authorities. Public health nurses also help in immunization drives and obesity prevention.
Schools are optimal for the spread of diseases, as hundreds of children study in close quarters. Luckily, public health nurses can prevent this from happening through vaccination drives. They send out reminders to students and families and administer vaccines in School Located clinics.
They can also teach students hygiene practices, like hand washing techniques. Improper waste disposal supports the spread of diseases. It also makes children sick and vulnerable to infectious diseases. Public health nurses consult janitorial services to improve maintenance and cleaning mandates.
Children and students are more likely to ignore their dental health. According to the CDC, 20% of adolescents have at least one decayed tooth. Public health nurses can teach students about proper dental hygiene. They can also educate staff and students about other topics affecting health.
A malnourished child can not actively participate in school. Public health nurses play a vital role in planning nutritious and balanced meals.
Public health nurses can assist schools at every level
Public health nurses assist schools from kindergarten to high school. They are sometimes the sole healthcare providers for young students. They may also support other providers when access to healthcare is limited. Public health nurses work to improve standards of care and advocate student safety. They may also address social issues such as bullying and the dangers of peer pressure. Therefore, in a post-pandemic world, public health nurses are valuable members of the healthcare system.
Public health nurses post-pandemic
The United States and other countries are easing COVID-19 restrictions. Vaccination drives have made the disease less menacing by reducing the severity. There is a decrease in COVID-related deaths and hospitalizations.
While things are getting better, we must not let our guard down. The pandemic has changed how we think and work. Humanity is living in unprecedented times with ever-evolving challenges. Therefore, public health nurses must maintain their safeguarding role. They have to become the eyes and ears of vulnerable students. They need to remain vigilant and assess any health issues and needs.
Many health systems have not yet recovered from the overwhelming shock of the pandemic. Fortunately, public health nurses can assist these fatigued healthcare systems in providing vital services. They must take charge and use their expertise to promote health.
Conclusion
COVID is on track to becoming endemic. However, public health bodies still need to keep a close eye on things. As variants emerge, communities have to stay on top of things. While vaccinations have decreased the severity of the disease, not everyone can get the vaccine. Public health officials have a vital role to play. They must reinforce the necessity of prevention techniques for contagious illnesses. However, they cannot be everywhere at once. Fortunately, public health nurses can assist schools and other educational institutes in fighting public health issues. They can help them by providing competent care.