Protecting persons experiencing homelessness through a global pandemic.

In response to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the leadership of a large homeless service and residential recovery organization transformed its organizational practices in accordance with best available evidence for prevention and containment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The coordinated organizational response was based on the CDC's "whole community" framework for addressing the threat of COVID-19 among persons experiencing homelessness and included strategies for preparation and containment of the virus and identification of exposures and disease outbreaks. Organizational practice changes were also instituted to mitigate spread. New protocols and procedures addressed admission intake processes, testing and monitoring, and guidelines for managing staff, vendors, and volunteers. Finally, an on-site vaccination clinic was organized through the establishment of a four-pronged coalition. The program outreached to staff, residents, and essential volunteers. Following implementation of this coordinated organizational response, confirmed SARS CoV-2 cases in the facility declined to zero. Through this experience, the leadership became more adept at improving its digital fitness and pivoting when circumstances dictated a shift in policy and practice. In every major initiative or policy change aimed at addressing the spread of the virus, community partnerships were key to effective implementation of COVID-19 prevention and containment strategies.

Coming of Age During Coronavirus: New Nurses' Perceptions of Transitioning to Practice During a Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges to the health care workforce. Little is known about the effect of the pandemic on new RNs and their preparedness for such a crisis. This study explored the lived experiences of RNs transitioning from students to professionals during the pandemic. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 new RNs working in acute care facilities during the Maryland COVID-19 State of Emergency. RESULTS: Three themes were identified to describe the experiences of new nurses transitioning to practice in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: uncertainty, vulnerability, and resilience. CONCLUSION: New nurses need greater support during transition to practice. Initiatives to improve trusting relationships between new nurses and their organizations and support of the development of essential relationships (e.g., peers, frontline management, and educators) could enhance new nurses' resilience and commitment to stay with the organization. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(6):294-300.].