Information & support for nurses during Covid-19
The way primary care is working now has evolved quickly over the past few weeks in response to the challenges of Covid 19. This has led to new ways of working which is likely to shape Primary Care in the future. Many nurses will already have been involved or have had the opportunity to trial new ways of working during this time. Please remember it is essential that all registered nurses continue to work within their scope of practice and capabilities. This document aims to recognise the challenging times currently, support nurses with undertaking work now and to promote thinking about the future.
How and if this ‘different’ way of working is effective and sustainable will at some point need to be evaluated. Nurses are working differently increasingly taking on a variety of roles including triage and video consultations, this impact on staff, workload and patient care will need to be considered. Care still needs to be provided for ‘routine’ activities but possibly in a different way by nurses and HCAs, also taking time to plan for a gradual return to a new normality. The emphasis should be on providing safe, quality, and effective care to the patient population. It is also vital in these challenging times to look after the wellbeing of self and others. Some resources to aid this process are included within this document.
Please click on the image below to access our digital Guidance book
Smears in the time of COVID-19
We have created a guidance document to assist with cervical cytology smears during Covid-19 that can be accessed here.
Risk assessments for the delivery of services in non clinical settings
Please see the RCN suggested resources to inform risk assessments for the delivery of services in non clinical settings. The guidance is in the Primary and Community Care folder on the web page https://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/infection-prevention-and-control/novel-coronavirus
Delivering services in different ways is an increasing demand for services during the pandemic. This is to help ensure social distancing as far as possible and minimise footfall in clinical areas.
There are some key considerations staff need to consider as part of the risk assessment for delivering the services in this way. A risk assessment is the responsibility of your employer and needs to be regularly reviewed and updated.
Nursing in Practice: Childhood immunisations: How a practice reduced face-to-face time
PHE: IPC guidance
RCN: IPC Guidance
RCN: Safe staffing handwashing guide
NMC: Maintaining good documentation and record keeping
RCN: Consent and Confidentiality
RCN: Health and safety of staff and patients (including needlestick injury; personal safety, traffic and environmental risks e.g. weather conditions rain/heat, equipment and site security)
RCN: Personal safety when working alone: guidance for members working in health and social care
HSE: Event safety
HSE: Controlling the risks in the workplace
HEE: Sharps injuries
RCN: Safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults
