CNS Support Techniques during the Coronavirus pandemic at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Topic of Interest
Role of CNS in COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
The Role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) requires adaptation to an ever-changing healthcare environment. At this NCI-designated Cancer Center our CNS team quickly responded to the Coronavirus Pandemic via multimodal strategies with a variety of disciplines. The CNS team stayed informed on the latest evidence-based practices and translated those into bedside care quickly and efficiently. We will share how the CNS team modified work schedules to reach day and night nursing staff including those who only work weekends. The team prepared and delivered multiple education and process change in-services, provided hands on demonstration of skills specific to COVID-19 nursing care, as well as infection prevention practices. As a result our nursing staff has been able to care safely and confidently for COVID-19 patients and even more importantly protected our very fragile immunocompromised patient population.