The Roles of Innovative Nurses in the COVID-19 during the Pandemic and Difficulties They Experience

INTRODUCTION: Background: This study aimed to include the work of innovative nurses in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period, their roles, and the difficulties they experienced.
METHODS: Methods: The data were obtained from messages sent to the Innovative Nursing Association’s email and the participants who participated in the manual and online survey of the association. The study sample consisted of 150 nurses and midwives among the members of the Innovative Nursing Association who agreed to participate in the study. Frequency distribution was used with the SSPS package program for statistical evaluation of the obtained data.

RESULTS: Results: It was determined that the awareness of the participants about the innovation process is sufficient; they have been actively involved in innovation studies before; and trainings, role modeling, and consultancy are provided by the Innovative Nursing Association for the promotion of innovation among our colleagues. It was determined that, during the pandemic period, the studies performed to activate the innovation process were interrupted, difficulties were caused by the disruption of collaborations in the production process of innovative products, and the products developed were generally directed toward protective products.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Regular training, role modeling, and scientific activities that introduce the innovation process make the process more interesting, and guide nurses are crucial for activating the innovation process in nursing.