The coronavirus pandemic is increasing across the United States as infections and hospitalizations rise. This has resulted in a shortage of nurses, especially in rural areas and at small hospitals. The problem has led to nurses being trained to provide care in medical areas where they have little experience. Hospitals are reducing some services to keep enough trained medical workers for seriously sick coronavirus patients. And some health systems are employing traveling nurses to assist their doctors. Nurses with a lot of experience are resigning because they are “burned out,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick.

What is burn-out?
to become exhausted from overwork
a feeling of relaxation
to become energized at work
a calming mood
How are hospitals coping with the strain of increased COVID-19 cases?
Hospitals are increasing all service areas for every patient
Hospitals are reducing some services to keep enough trained medical workers
Hospitals are closing until next year
Hospitals are not changing normal operating procedures
The rise in COVID-19 cases has resulted in a shortage of nurses
nurses
gurneys
aspirin
thermometers