The new virus COVID-19, which appeared at the end of 2019, has already affected all of humanity. It influenced all areas of human life: health, work, education, communication, and others. In this situation, managers have a particularly difficult time because they have to make many complex and significant decisions. In particular, managers in the medical field can significantly influence many cases. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how COVID-19 affected nurse leaders and managers.
First of all, the psychological pressure of the situation on leaders cannot be denied. They see the whole problem globally, and this can demotivate them. Also, their personal life may be affected since they do not have enough free time to spend with their friends and family. Moreover, they put so much effort into work that they do not have energy left for other areas of life. Strong personalities will be able to prove themselves, but some will not withstand this severity. The influence of the virus on nurse managers’ workflow is undeniable. Due to the increasing number of patients, they have to take on much more responsibility. Also, one of their duties is the motivation of subordinates, since only a leader can adequately distribute tasks among team members. Partly, COVID-19 affected the educational process of nurses as well. This issue is given more attention in lectures, and many of them are even canceled so that medical students can help fight the disease.
Nurse leaders and managers are now going through difficult times. Rosa (2016) argues that “quality, dignified health care is a human right and it is the nurse leader’s role to honor and produce this truth” (p. 11). Even despite the difficulties, leaders must be faithful to their duty and support people. In addition to healthy patients, they will receive an increased level of self-confidence and good feedback. Most nurse leaders can become real professionals thanks to this situation.
Reference
Rosa, W. (2016). Nurses as leaders: Evolutionary visions of leadership. Springer Publishing Company.