The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has released a statement strongly recommending that nurses be vaccinated against COVID-19. In the statement, the organization addresses the nuanced sense of pride and anxiety felt by nurses and other healthcare professionals who have been given top priority to receive the first COVID-19 vaccines.
“Nurses who choose to be vaccinated serve as role models and trusted patient educators,” the statement says. “Nurses’ decisions to be vaccinated against COVID-19 can help to shorten the duration of the pandemic. Ultimately, widespread effective vaccination will reduce the burden of this disease on acute and critical care units. If a vaccine allows more nurses to stay healthy, then there will be more support for patient care and clinical colleagues.”
AACN recognizes the variety of factors nurses must consider before being vaccinated and affirms that the decision is ultimately up to each individual. In addition, AACN joins with other nursing organizations in stating there should be no retaliation against nurses who choose not to take a COVID-19 vaccine.
Throughout the pandemic, AACN has provided clinical resources, educational materials, insights and innovations to support nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. The organization will continue to share information from reliable sources as knowledge about COVID-19 and related vaccines evolves. The statement includes a list of recommended resources from AACN and other organizations.
Read the full statement online.
About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: For more than 50 years, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has been dedicated to acute and critical care nursing excellence. The organization’s vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. AACN is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization, with more than 130,000 members and over 200 chapters in the United States.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 27071 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; 949-362-2000; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme
