Every day, we learn more as to how the novel coronavirus is impacting society with cases on the rise in numerous locations across the country. Our responsibilities, for our own safety and that of others, include: wear a mask, wash hands frequently, social distance, and stay home as much as possible, among others.

Bedrest has many detrimental effects for our critically ill or immobile patients, including muscle weakness, cardiac atrophy, atelectasis, and increased risk of a pressure injury. The literature supports the benefits of an early mobility program.

As a Registered Nurse, I think about all that is happening in our world today from what it was only months ago. Friends and colleagues have worked tirelessly on the frontlines to fight the pandemic that has changed our society and world in just a short time.

Similar to other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, what you don’t see can hurt you. Unfortunately, just because you can’t see symptoms or indicators, it doesn’t mean damage or harm isn’t being done.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is affecting the whole world.1 As a result, there are many hospitalized patients and increased demands on the healthcare system.

We are all living in an unprecedented time due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Patient mobility, a critical factor in improving patient health, needs to be a high focus even during this unprecedented pandemic. Increasing mobility is important for hospitalized patients to help improve oxygenation, prevent hospital acquired conditions and speed rehabilitation.

In this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 outbreak, many of us are finding it difficult to describe our thoughts about the coronavirus pandemic as we try to maintain some degree of normalcy in the safest way possible.

Join us for our complimentary educational webinar with renowned expert and guest speaker, Dr. Joseph Caprini, MD, MS, FACS, RVT, DFSVS, to discuss “COVID-19: The Tangled Hemostatic Web Revisited” on Monday, June 1st at 10:00am CDT.

St. Ann’s Home of Grand Rapids, Michigan is preparing for their residents’ needs during the coronavirus pandemic. They have instituted health checks, greeters, family support and an isolation COVID Care Unit.