Table 2 Recommendations to improve working conditions for obstetrical nurses during major disease outbreaks
Recommendation | Examples |
|---|---|
Provide additional psychological support | • Schedule regular debriefing sessions • Offer onsite counselling sessions with mental health specialists • Provide training workshops on how to improve coping skills |
Foster peer support groups | • Implement formal peer support groups by creating a designated peer support role for staff members, providing the designated peer supporters with training, and offering a safe space to host the group sessions [37] |
Alleviate physical demands | • Provide self-care stations • Ensure proper breaks are taken and vacation time is offered • Hire extra staff to complete non-nursing tasks (i.e., personal support workers or patient care technicians) |
Improve communication | • Create a central system to easily update staff • Conduct group huddles while on shift |
Allow flexibility in work schedules | • Offer a greater amount of job share positions • Implement shorter shift times for the duration of the outbreak |
Provide disease training | • Offer simulation training • Provide up-to-date training on how to properly don and doff personal protective equipment |
Increase staff appreciation | • Offer personalized gifts • Offer pay premiums for times of extreme hardship • Ensure department remains properly staffed and staff are provided with proper equipment to safely perform their job |
Retain staff | • Create a safe and positive working environment • Form a task force that is focused solely on nurse retention/recruitment [38] |