Challenges and Possibilities for Filipino Nurses on the Frontline of Covid-19 Pandemic

What started as an echo of alarm bells in Wuhan has now turned to a deafening siren which put the world to a standstill.  To date, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has reached nearly 1.4 million and accounted for almost 75,000 deaths worldwide.  National and international campaigns for social distancing and stay-at-home instructions were given to the public as essential workers are called on to man the frontline and respond to the growing need of their community.  Filipino nurses (in the Philippines and overseas) bravely standing on the frontline are faced with challenges and ironically, other possibilities. 

Much like during the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918, the healthcare profession is currently on a gruelling battle against Covid-19.   An a whole, this pandemic unmercifully tests every country’s quality of health care, its standard of governance and social capital.  It challenges its people to care for the weakest and the most vulnerable while advocating for the protection of the frontliners.  The need for mitigation measures is crucial for containing the spread of Covid-19.  Likewise, strengthening the frontline is also critical.  The battle to gather resources such as medical and protective equipment continues.  As the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases surge, the healthcare workforce is more strained than ever.  Soon enough, the next coronavirus crisis may welbe about a shortage of doctors and nurses.

With all the challenges thrown on the table, it is understandable to feel anxious, confused and frustrated.  The uncertainty of it all puts even the best of us into paralysis.  But while this pandemic reveals our innate weaknesses, it also shapes our values and wields our strengths.    Anxiety and confusion need to be dealt with by using clear, calm and decisive leadership.  Leadership not just from the government but also within the healthcare profession and the larger community.  This turbulent time calls for a new generation of leaders who will act as catalysts for change, advocate for and give voice to nurses.  It opens up a platform for a united and roaring call to address the challenges long embedded in the profession.

A world post-Covid-19 pandemic is yet difficult to visualize.  However, the need for healthcare workers and nurse leaders around the world will become even more apparent.  Some may choose to serve their local cities while others may move to a different country.  Still, there may be even some who will go to a different profession altogether.  Getting into the nursing profession, and then upskilling or specializing, working locally or overseas, or completely donning a different career hat, these are only some of the possibilities. 

What is happening right now highlights the urgent need to strengthen the global health workforce.  Without nurses and the healthcare team, countries cannot win the battle against deadly outbreaks or achieve universal health coverage.   Hence, as nurses brace themselves during this difficult time, they are also key players on what is yet to come.