Reflections on a webinar approach to support nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • E S Janse van Rensburg University of South Africa
  • A E van der Wath University of Pretoria
  • Y Havenga Tshwane University of Technology
  • N Ntshingila University of Johannesburg
Keywords: COVID-19, nurses, support, webinar approach

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in over 54 000 deaths in South Africa. The healthcare system, specifically nurses, was stretched in providing care for critically ill patients who tested positive for COVID-19. As the disease burden increased, the frontline nurses experienced physical and emotional exhaustion. The Psychiatric Nursing Association (PNA) was tasked with providing emotional support to frontline nurses amid the pandemic, and online webinars were presented to generate a platform for support. This article provides reflections on the webinar approach followed by the PNA in supporting frontline nurses during the pandemic. Reflections refer to lessons learned and planning for the future.

Author Biographies

E S Janse van Rensburg, University of South Africa

Department of Nursing Science, School of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa

A E van der Wath, University of Pretoria

Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Y Havenga, Tshwane University of Technology

Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

N Ntshingila, University of Johannesburg

Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Published
2021-09-22
Section
Review