NURSES' ROLE IN LONG COVID-19 NURSING CARE

Abstract

            Coronavirus disease starting in 2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening emerging disease. After being treated, Patients who were infected may not be as normal as before. Many patients still have post-COVID-19 symptoms, known as Long COVID, from complications of the disease and side effects of the treatment. The best Long COVID prevention does not reinfect with Coronavirus 2019 and receive vaccination according to the guidelines. The important roles of nurses for Long COVID care are 1) for the patients who have not yet been infected with COVID-19, focusing on promoting the immune system and the strengthening of the body to prevent the infection with the novel Coronavirus 2019, which leads to preventing the Long COVID, 2) for the patients who have been infected and diagnosed with COVID-19, nurses must promote the recovering and reducing their chances of developing into Long COVID, and 3) for the patients who have been infected and diagnosed with COVID-19 with the risk factors to develop a Long COVID, nurses must focus on promoting quick recovery and decrease the duration of chronic illness and complications. Moreover, nurses should give knowledge and advice on recovery, be role models in rehabilitation, practice positive thinking skills, become the center of coordinating the social support for the patients and their families, and provide holistic care to decrease the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual illness. Therefore, patients can aware of themselves, accept the truth of life, and have the empowerment to live their lives with confidence and be capable to adapt into the COVID-19 crisis and the Long COVID condition appropriately.