Postmodernizm, COVID-19 Pandemisi ve Hemşirelerin Yaşamı:Bireysel Haklar ve Sosyal Sorumlulukların Sınırları:Sistematik Derleme

Abstract

Postmodernism paradigms have improved nursing knowledge, at least in research and theory development. However, after the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we realized some crucial negative elements of postmodernism, like leaving preventive measures and vaccination to individuals'' decisions, which may endanger nurses' and medical staff's lives. During the pandemic, nurses were dissatisfied with the authorities'' poor performance in providing facilities, equipment, medication, vaccines, and legislation of effective primary prevention measures. Also, they were disappointed with peoples' careless behavior in wearing masks, keeping social distance, and avoiding crowdings. COVID-19 also revealed the differences in perception of individual rights and social responsibility, which may profoundly affect the lives of people and health workers. Balancing individual rights and social responsibility is crucial in a community of individuals of different backgrounds, orientations, and interests. The dominant paradigm of postmodernism among some nations and politicians postponed decision-making regarding prevention measures or even their necessity which cost thousands of lives, including the lives of nurses and doctors. Leaving the use of personal protective equipment, holding meetings, and vaccination to the will of people were all in light of postmodernist thoughts that say no one has the right to restrict others' freedom. The health staff expects policymakers to meet their concerns and back them up by passing laws balancing individual rights and social responsibility. This article aimed to open a novel discussion around the impact of postmodernist thoughts on the safety and life of nurses and medical staff during the pandemics and their expectations from lawmakers for future confrontations.