The Post Pandemic Future: Nursing in the Region of the Americas and Mental Health

Abstract

The transformative and impactful role of nurses has been highlighted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The health workforce has endured many particularly difficult challenges during this time, both professionally and in their personal lives, in the effort to respond to the needs of communities, patients, and families. As a result, many nurses and other providers are facing their own mental health challenges due to the prolonged response to address pandemic challenges. In the Region of the Americas, several areas have faced inequities and greater challenge, especially in countries that are low- and middle income. There is a tremendous gap between the number of people who need mental healthcare and those who receive it, even with the current health workforce. Increasing national investments in nursing in the Region of the Americas is necessary and has been addressed by the Pan American Health Organization. A strategic regional focus has been placed to empower healthcare professionals to achieve the levels of education necessary to improve working conditions and to have leadership roles supported and recognized in a model of resilient health systems. Protecting mental health of providers has become an important lesson of the pandemic and an essential and permanent component in the management of health systems and services. This article offers a summary of challenges in the Region of the America as leaders consider the best strategies to support a positive relationship that features resilience, adequate working conditions, and investments in the nursing profession for a post-COVID-19 future that protects workers’ mental health.