| Title |
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Impact of COVID-19 and the hospital disaster response on nurses working in a Fijian emergency department |
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| Publication Date |
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| Author(s) |
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| Affiliation |
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Head of Department, Nursing Science and Practice, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Republic of Fiji. |
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Nursing Unit Manager Emergency Department (Colonial War Memorial Hospital), Adjunct Lecturer, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Republic of Fiji. |
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Pacific Emergency Care Education Consultant, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, Darwin, Australia. |
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WHO Collaborating Centre On Nursing, Midwifery & Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney,Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: Christine.rossiter@uts.edu.au. |
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WHO Collaborating Centre On Nursing, Midwifery & Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney,Sydney, Australia. |
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| MESH subject |
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Emergency Service, Hospital |
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| Type of document |
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| Abstract |
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This research examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Registered Nurses working in the Emergency Department (ED) of a major Fijian hospital. It explored the role of formal disaster response and highlighted lessons that can be learned for future disasters, especially in low-resource settings.This exploratory qualitative study reports the perspectives of 16 Registered Nurses working in the ED during the 2021 COVID-19 outbreak.The implementation of disaster plans helped staff feel supported. Rapid deployment of tents provided much-needed extra space but increased challenges due to heat and shortages of human and material resources. High-volume mortality meant extended delays in adequately managing the deceased. Absence from family for patients and staff led to mental stress; this experience was ameliorated for nurses by support from the ED manager and clinical colleagues.Planning and training are crucial prior to any disaster. In future, surge capacity and emergency response must be implemented by including clinicians in planning and delivery. It is crucial that provision of extra space is matched with sufficient extra staff. Adequate and early management of dead bodies is also vital. |
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| Link |
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| Citation |
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Int Emerg Nurs. 2025 Aug;81:101638. doi: 10.1016/j.ienj.2025.101638. Epub 2025 Jul 5. PMID: 40618655. |
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| ISSN |
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| Pubmed ID |
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40618655/?otool=iaurydwlib |
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