{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: The early impact of COVID-19 on intensive care nurses' personal and professional well-being: A qualitative study.
{Author}: Calkins K;Guttormson J;McAndrew NS;Losurdo H;Loonsfoot D;Schmitz S;Fitzgerald J;
{Journal}: Intensive Crit Care Nurs
{Volume}: 76
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: Jun 2023
{Factor}: 4.235
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103388
{Abstract}: OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intensive care nurses personal and professional well-being.
METHODS: A descriptive, qualitative design was used. Two nurse researchers conducted one-on-one interviews via Zoom or TEAMS using a semi-structured interview guide.
METHODS: Thirteen nurses who were working in an intensive care unit in the United States participated in the study. A convenience sample of nurses who completed a survey in the larger parent study provided an email and were contacted by the research team to participate in interviews to discuss their experiences.
METHODS: An inductive approach to content analysis was used to develop categories.
RESULTS: Five major categories emerged from the interviews: (1) We are not heroes, (2) inadequate support, (3) helplessness, (4) exhaustion, and (5) Nurses the second victim.
CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a physical and mental health toll on intensive care nurses. The impact of the pandemic on personal and professional well-being has serious implications for retaining and expanding the nursing workforce.
CONCLUSIONS: This work highlights the importance for bedside nurses to advocate for systemic change to improve the work environment. It is imperative for nurses to have effective training including evidence-based practice and clinical skills. There needs to be systems in place to monitor and support nurses' mental health and encourage bedside nurses to use self-care methods and practices to prevent anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout.