Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
Published on: November 30, 2022
Nurses' ability and willingness to work during pandemic flu
1Department of Nursing, Saint Joseph's College, Standish, ME, USA. smartin@sjcme.edu
Aim:
The present study reports factors affecting nurses' ability and willingness to work during pandemic flu (PF).
Background:
Previous studies suggest some nurses may be unable or unwilling to work during PF.
Method:
A questionnaire was mailed to nurses during October to December 2009, the second wave of the 2009 A/H1N1 flu pandemic.
Results:
Most (90.1%) reported they would work. Willingness decreased primarily as personal protective equipment (PPE) dwindled, family or nurse were perceived to be at risk and when vaccine or antiviral medication was not provided to both nurse and family although many other factors also affected willingness to work. Ability decreased primarily when the nurse was sick, a loved one needed care at home or transportation problems existed although many other factors also affected ability to work.
Conclusion:
Certain factors can decrease willingness and ability of nurses to work during a flu pandemic.
Implications For Nursing Management:
Managers can anticipate factors that may decrease nurse's ability and willingness to work during pandemic flu. Preparing for staffing during emergencies can retain the health care workforce when it is needed most.
Related Concept Videos
01:22The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
01:28Current Trends in Nursing I
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
01:08Obedience
01:17Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.