Title: How did Vascular Surgical Nurses develop a positive adaption model of care to the COVID-19 Era? Presenters: Navelle Hosking-Gavin; Smitha Sibi. Abstract The Vascular Surgical ward was asked to convert to a COVID unit last year in response to the COVID -19 pandemic. This presentation highlights the preparation of the ward to receive and manage patients with COVID positive status; transferability of nursing skills and creating a positive workplace culture through effective leadership and collaboration with key multidisciplinary team members.

Nursing workforce preparation was one of the essential components in response to the COVID -19 pandemic, especially for the critical care areas such as Emergency and Intensive Care. Expression of interest was sent out to all nursing staff requesting nurses to indicate area he /she prefers to be deployed when needed. As a former Intensive Care Nurse, I chose intensive care as my preference. This presentation will highlight the preparation process: taking short-term intensive care skills refresh course, and over two months positive working experience in ICU during the COVID -19 pandemic last year occurred in South Western Sydney.