Understanding the Trajectory of the Delta Variant

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, nursing professionals have been called upon to put their education and training into direct action. While the initial infection wave is waning, the new delta variant is sweeping the nation and the world.

The Delta variant (officially known as B.1.617.2) was first detected in March 2021. As of October 2021, the United States had reported the highest number of Delta variant cases, with 642,725 cases reported at that time. The new Delta variant has spread rapidly and is a significant threat in areas abroad and at home where vaccination rates are low.

Delta variant cases now make up 80 percent of all COVID-19 infections in the United States. Areas with low vaccination rates such as Nevada, Arkansas, and Missouri are seeing surges along with high population states such as Florida, California, and Texas. In addition, life-threatening Delta strain symptoms and diagnoses are occurring in unvaccinated individuals and those who, due to pre-existing medical conditions, may be at increased risk despite having received a vaccination.

Protecting Nursing Professionals from the Delta Variant

The Delta variant is twice as contagious as the previous COVID-19 variant. It’s important to note that even fully vaccinated people can exhibit Delta strain symptoms and spread the virus to others. However, the good news is that being vaccinated results in fewer Delta variant cases requiring hospitalization, and those who may have contracted the virus are contagious for a shorter time period.

What Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Can Do

Front line healthcare workers need to continue to be vigilant against variant symptoms. Steps to ensure safety for yourself and all you may come in contact with include vaccination, practicing hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing when possible, and wearing an appropriate face mask for the environment. In addition, health care personnel should continue to follow COVID-19 safety protocols to protect against the Delta variant:

• Follow hospital protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for COVID-19 patients.
• Avoid frequent touching of respirators, facemasks, eye goggles, or face shields.
• Wash hands thoroughly before putting on PPE.
• Take breaks and eat meals in designated, non-clinical locations.
• Disinfect your cell phone and any tablets you may use frequently.
• Remove scrubs and footwear before returning home and wash separately from other laundry in hot water with detergent.

Keeping Travel Nurses Safe from the Delta Variant

One of the benefits of travel nursing jobs is the ability to travel to new areas of the country while having scheduling flexibility and a guaranteed employment contract. However, travel nurses should take precautions to limit their exposure to the new delta variant. These include:

• Ensuring you are vaccinated. While vaccines don’t offer 100% protection against the Delta variant, vaccination does reduce variant symptoms.
• Wear approved masks that are appropriate for the location.
• Use caution when traveling. While airplanes are at lower risk because of air filtration systems, airports and public transportation pose a greater risk.
• Always keep hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes and facemasks nearby.

Want to Help Reduce Delta Variant Cases? Work with Coast Medical Service

Working with healthcare recruiters at Coast Medical Service can help you become a front-line, essential healthcare worker in the fight against COVID-19 and the Delta variant.

• Take advantage of high-demand locations and secure paid-for-lodging in your contract.
• Explore the opportunities available in ultra-lucrative crisis situations.
• Receive industry high compensation.
• Select from a wide range of travel nurse jobs.
• Enjoy guaranteed shifts at the same hospital.
• Take pride in knowing you are putting your talents and education to good use, working to reduce Delta variant cases.

With Coast, every contract assignment is different due to specialty, location, and community needs. However, there are many travel nurse assignments waiting for nursing professionals in emergency rooms and operating rooms, as well as pediatric, intensive care unit (ICU), or psychiatric placements. There is also a great need for surgical technicians, CNAs, LVNs, and allied health professionals. Whether you’re a recent nursing school graduate, someone who is returning to the field, or a seasoned professional looking for a new challenge, helping to protect and care for those with the Delta variant can be a rewarding experience.

Ready to Explore Travel Nursing Career Opportunities? Coast Medical Service Can Help!

Working with the professional healthcare recruiters at Coast Medical Service can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. As a well-respected national nursing agency, we work with healthcare providers to address staffing shortages throughout the United States. Visit our current openings to see our nursing and allied health openings, and then read our testimonials. You’ll quickly see why we’re considered a premier staffing agency. When we work together, not only will you find the perfect place for your talents, but you’ll be able to travel the country while helping to reduce Delta variant cases! Contact us today.