Mississippi's nurse shortage worsens amid the 4th wave in COVID-19 cases

by

Ashley Norwood

• Published on July 27, 2021 • Last modified on July 26, 2021 • Comments

Nurse Brittney Groover, center, runs through procedure with other health professionals at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS.
AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

More than 7700 new cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Mississippi within the last week. As cases continue to rise, health officials are also concerned about the growing number of staff vacancies at hospitals across the state.

Listen Here

Testing for coronavirus has increased statewide and positive results are surging. According to the Mississippi Department of Health, COVID-19 positivity rate is now the same as it was during the worst of the pandemic in January. Except this time, there are fewer nurses on staff at hospitals to care for COVID-19 patients.

“You’ve got nurses and other care providers in the hospital that are experiencing burnout,” said Tim Moore, President and CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association. “They've gone as far as they could go taking care of highly critical patients.”

“You’ve got others who are seeking opportunities in neighboring states who can afford to pay more. It’s a battle.”

Moore says ongoing conversations about requiring staff be vaccinated at hospitals across the state could also result in additional vacancies.

A number of hospitals across the state have zero bed capacity during this 4th wave in cases, including Merit Health Central in Jackson.

Paula Anders is a nurse who works directly with COVID-19 patients and says the ongoing pandemic is having a physical and emotional toll.

“Can you imagine, you’re on guard at all times. Working, taking care of people and meeting them at their basic needs. And they’re so fearful themselves,” said Anders.

“You’re having to do all you know to make them feel secure. Alongside that, you’re trying to make sure that you're safe and that you're not exposing yourself to this disease.”

As of yesterday, the department of health reported 3,608 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi from Friday through Sunday. Nearly 600 patients were hospitalized.