The Covid-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. When the virus first hit, nobody knew just how long the pandemic would last, or how many people would die as each wave peaked. The pandemic placed enormous pressure on the healthcare system, and at times hospitals were under severe strain. In this article, we’ll let you know about the role of nursing in response to COVID-19.
The situation in the US has been mirrored all over the world, with countries like the UK and India particularly badly affected. It has led to a lot of pressure on nurses and other healthcare staff. Hospitals have had to contend with staff shortages as nurses caught COVID-19 or were forced to self-isolate because family members were infected. At times, many nurses were working incredibly long shifts with little respite or were unable to take their annual leave because they were covering staff absences.
The pandemic has been hugely stressful for nurses and other medical staff. But it’s not all been bad news.
The Perception of Nursing has Shifted:
One thing that has changed is the public perception of nursing. Before the Covid pandemic, people knew nurses did a good job, but often, nurses were the unsung heroes while doctors were the ones who most people thought of when they pictured a Knight in Shining Armor. It has been very different during the Covid pandemic. Nurses have been working on the frontline, triaging patients, dealing with everyday nursing tasks, and more. It’s not been easy but, thanks to their hard work and selflessness, lives have been saved.
The general public has seen how hard nurses have worked, how they have taken the brunt of the healthcare disaster, and applauded their devotion to their duty. In the UK, families stood on their doorsteps each Thursday night to clap for the NHS in a show of solidarity. Many nurses report receiving kind notes from neighbors, thanking them for doing such a great job in the face of unimaginable pressure.
This extraordinary situation has shown how valuable nurses are. Finally, hard-working nurses can feel appreciated for the sterling work they do every day. Interest in nursing has grown: enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States rose by 5.6% in 2020, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Nursing is at the Centre of Healthcare:
Governments have realized nursing is at the center of a functional healthcare system. Doctors may get all the attention, but nurses do most of the basic care and they are the ones dealing with patients on the front line. Recognition of the amazing work nurses do is likely to lead to a greater level of investment in healthcare.
Already governments have invested in PPE for nurses, to help protect them from the ravages of Covid. However, going forward, we can expect to see more investment in other areas of healthcare, including the training of more nurses and other healthcare staff, to fill the void caused by many older nurses leaving the profession.
The US population is aging. Investment in healthcare cannot be kicked down the road any longer. The impact of the Covid pandemic has illustrated just how vital nurses are to modern healthcare – the country needs more nurses, and it looks like finally, the government agrees. The World Health Organization reports that the global nursing shortage was 5.8 million nurses in 2023.
Nurses are Being Empowered:
Many regulatory barriers dictate what work a nurse can do, but things are changing. The COVID pandemic has highlighted the shortage of medically trained staff in the US healthcare system, and it is becoming increasingly obvious that traditional barriers must be removed if patients are to receive the right level of care. The role of a nurse practitioner is a great example of how nurses can do so much more if they are allowed to, which relieves the burden on doctors and ensures communities have better access to primary healthcare.
As of 2026, 28 states and the District of Columbia grant nurse practitioners full practice authority, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Under full practice authority, state laws permit nurse practitioners to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances. It makes sense and it ensures many more patients are cared for.
This is great news for nurses with a post-graduate education, or nurses considering further study.
The Role of Telehealth:
Before the pandemic, telehealth was a thing, but it came to the fore when Covid struck. Patients could no longer attend medical clinics without risking exposure to a deadly virus, and doctors and nurses were at risk of exposure each time they saw a patient. The rise of telehealth has made it easier for nurses to help patients in a low-risk environment, and it reduced exposure for staff and patients. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that telehealth visits increased by 154% in the last week of March 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.
The transition hasn’t been an easy one, but routine appointments and checks are well-suited to telemedicine. Patients have better access if they need routine checks, and it means they don’t need to leave their homes to speak to a nurse. Telehealth is here to stay, and as the nursing profession evolves, we are likely to see more nurses conducting routine appointments via virtual platforms.
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a transformation in modern nursing. Demand for qualified nurses remains high, and hospitals in many countries need nurses in all departments, from emergency rooms to neonatal care and critical care. If you see nursing as your future career and you want a chance to give something back, there has never been a better time to sign up for a nursing degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has the public perception of nursing changed since Covid?
One thing that has changed is the public perception of nursing. Before the Covid pandemic, people knew that nurses worked hard, but the general public has now seen how hard nurses have worked, how they have taken the brunt of the healthcare disaster, and applauded their devotion to their duty. Interest in nursing has grown: enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States rose by 5.6% in 2020.
Why is nursing at the centre of healthcare?
Governments have realized nursing is at the center of a functional healthcare system. Doctors may get all the attention, but nurses do most of the basic care and they are the ones dealing with patients on the front line. The World Health Organization reports that the global nursing shortage was 5.8 million nurses in 2023.
How are nurses being empowered?
As of 2026, 28 states and the District of Columbia grant nurse practitioners full practice authority. Under full practice authority, state laws permit nurse practitioners to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances.
What role does telehealth play in nursing now?
Before the pandemic, telehealth was a thing, but it came to the fore when Covid struck. The rise of telehealth has made it easier for nurses to help patients in a low-risk environment. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that telehealth visits increased by 154% in the last week of March 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. Telehealth is here to stay, and as the nursing profession evolves, we are likely to see more nurses conducting routine appointments via virtual platforms.
Disclaimer: This guide shares general information only. It is not legal advice. This guide gives no medical advice for readers. Nursing rules and figures can change at any time. Check the official pages before you act. Asanpapa24 takes no role in nursing career decisions.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026