We Need to Care for The Caregivers – Nurses Need Support

The American Nurses Foundation completed a survey of nurses in September of this year. Over 9,500 nurses responded and either completed, or partially completed the survey. Perhaps this is an indication of how immediate and important the subject of the survey was for them. According to the ANA, the goal was to determine any “changes and further impact of the pandemic on the mental health and wellness of nurses, with additional enquiries concerning emotional health, post-traumatic stress, resiliency, and stigma around seeking professional mental health support.”  

The results of the survey were that a higher percentage of nurses are indicating that they do not feel emotionally healthy.  While 35% do feel emotionally healthy or very emotionally healthy, an increased number of nurses are not feeling emotionally heathy. One other finding that is alarming is that “Since the Foundation’s first mental health and wellness survey in June-July 2020, self-reported burnout has increased by 350%.”

By role, the following are stating that they are not or not at all emotionally healthy:

• 52% of intensive or critical care nurses

• 46% of emergency department nurses

• 44% of medical-surgical nurses

• 40% of acute care (hospital) nurses

• 36% of nurse managers

By age, the following are stating that they are not or not at all emotionally healthy:

• 51% of 25-34

• 47% of under 25

• 42% of 35-44

• 35% of 45-54

• 21% of 55 or older

What is the result of these feelings?  Many nurses are avoiding situations that remind them of traumatic events they have had at work, and many are state that they are having repeated disturbing memories of traumatic events. 50% of the nurses said they had considered leaving their positions. Some (21%) are saying they intend to leave, and some (29%) are saying they may leave. The ANA report went on to say, “When looking at segments by age, the problem becomes even more concerning, with 31% of those under 35 indicating intent to leave.”  The reasons for leaving include concern for their physical and mental health, the inability to provide quality care, retirement, staff shortages and not enough support from their employers during the pandemic.  

What can be done about to help nurses and care providers through this challenging period? Nurses responded that the ways they deal with stress and burnout vary, but include eating healthy, getting accurate information about COVID, support/direction from their spiritual/religious community, practicing or receiving expressions of gratitude, exercising and also spending time in nature or with animals. 

We have all had emotional upheaval due to the pandemic, but those with direct interaction with patients have even more emotional upheaval. Unfortunately, some still feel a stigma in seeking mental health help, especially those on the front lines of patient care. As we get through the Pandemic and the ongoing waves of illness from the various strains of Covid, we agree with the ANA that,” greater awareness and recognition of nurses’ contributions must be raised at the organization, government, and community level. In the future, and looking further ahead, proactive initiatives must be implemented to solve the staffing shortage.” Nurses need increased support from their organizations and many of them are making efforts to provide that support. As the Pandemic continues, many organizations are trying to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health help. We know that these efforts are needed and must continue, and we fully support them.

Source: American Nurses Foundation Mental Health and Wellness Survey Report | American Nurses Foundation & Joslin © 2021