ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by a novel human coronavirus. Due to the accelerated spread of the virus, health authorities have advocated social distancing. Homeless people have difficulties meeting this requirement due to a lack of access to fundamental rights such as housing, education, and health. The epistemological bases of nursing theories contribute to under-pinning the care provided to these people. Objective: To reflect on the health care of the homeless population during the COVID-19 pandemic in light of five nursing theories. Main topics under analysis: The theories of Nightingale, Roy, Horta, Peplau, and Henderson have care approaches focused on the basic needs of homeless people who require immediate interventions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Nursing theories provide scientific support to caring for the homeless population based on physical, biological, and social aspects through intersectoral partnerships that can promote care during and after the pandemic. © 2022, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Historically, nurses have volunteered to serve in wars and natural catastrophes. However, instead of a distant disaster, many nurses in the UK volunteered, working above and beyond, to assist their colleagues, local communities and health systems in the NHS during the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the motivations and benefits to the community or self of volunteerism have been discussed in the literature, there is a paucity of literature and theoretical understanding from the field of nursing. Using a reflective and personal account of volunteering, this article aims to provide a better understanding of the concept of volunteerism in nursing. By exploring associated nursing theories from Jean Watson and Kristen Swanson, this article aims to illuminate and expand the knowledge base about nursing volunteerism. These nursing theories can frame the act of volunteerism and nursing and illustrate the interrelations of nursing theory and the practice of nursing volunteerism.