Compliance and Challenges Encountered by Nurses in the Implementation of COVID-19 Clinical Protocols

Rey John Rivera Hernandez

Rey John Rivera Hernandez Institute of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Urdaneta City University, Philippines

Abstract

This study determined the compliance and challenges encountered by nurses in the implementation of COVID-19 clinical protocols. This study involved the nurses of Tayug Family Hospital and Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital as respondents. The descriptive correlational survey method of research to determine the compliance with the COVID-19 clinical pandemic protocols and the challenges encountered in the implementation of the COVID-19 clinical protocols was employed. The findings revealed that the respondents were highly compliant with the COVID-19 pandemic clinical protocols, particularly in terms of patient examination and disinfection and cleaning, while they were compliant in terms of training and education. Along with the challenges encountered by the nurses in complying with the COVID-19 pandemic protocols, most nurses strongly agreed that they experienced fatigue and physical exhaustion in the course of their duty during this COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, nurses feel that they do not get enough compensation, as equated to the nature and risk of their work. Finally, this paper suggests that health organizations and other concerned groups advocate, promote, maintain, and strengthen policies aimed at improving nurses' well-being by delving deeper into their requirements so that all other work-related issues can be addressed appropriately. In particular, it is recommended that the hospital administrators prioritize and institutionalize various supports for the nurses, such as financial incentives, personal and financial cash allowances, regularized rice subsidies, and regular mental health activities, with or without the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords – compliance, challenges, COVID-19l, clinical protocols

Author Biography

Rey John Rivera Hernandez, Institute of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Urdaneta City University, Philippines

The author is currently working as an operating room staff nurse in the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, but before this, he was a general ward nurse. The COVID-19 Pandemic necessitated his joining the workforce due to the increased challenges it brought. This inspired the researcher to conduct the study and further plan to perform the same endeavor.