An integrative review of factors and interventions affecting the well‐being and safety of nurses during a global pandemic

Abstract

Background Nurses experienced physical and mental exhaustion during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Understanding the impact of the pandemic on nurses and effective strategies to support them is critical for increasing nurse resilience and reducing burnout. Aims The aims of this study were (1) to synthesize the literature examining how factors associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic affected the well‐being and safety of nurses (2) and to review interventions which may promote nurse mental health during crises. Methods Using an integrative review approach, a comprehensive search of the literature was conducted in March 2022 using the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane. We included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‐method primary research articles published in English in peer‐reviewed journals from March 2020 through February 2021. Included articles focused on nurses caring for COVID‐19 patients and addressed psychological factors, supportive hospital leadership strategies, or interventions to support well‐being. Studies were excluded if they focused on professions outside of nursing. Included articles were summarized and appraised for quality. Findings were synthesized using content analysis. Results Of the 130 articles initially identified, 17 were included. Articles were quantitative (n = 11), qualitative (n = 5), and mixed methods (n = 1). Three themes were identified: (1) loss of life, hope, and professional identity; (2) lack of visible and supportive leadership; and (3) insufficient planning and response. These experiences contributed to increased symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and moral distress in nurses.

Covid-19 pandemic? Mental health implications among nurses and Proposed interventions

“…In addition, many nurses reported a lack of visible and supportive leadership in healthcare organizations that contributed to increases in anxiety, stress, depression, and moral distress. These findings highlight the importance of implementing comprehensive support mechanisms and effective leadership strategies to address mental health challenges faced by nurses during crises [19] . Similarly, a meta-analysis of 401 studies, which involved 458,754 participants in 58 countries [20] , revealed the following aggregate prevalence rates among hospital HCW: depression at 28.5%, anxiety at 28.7%, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 25.5%, alcohol and substance use disorder at 25.3%, and insomnia at 24.4%.…”

Interprofessional Care Team, Staffing, and Setting Characteristics that Impact Patient Outcomes: A Review of Reviews

“…Internationally, healthcare workers left jobs or reduced hours for multiple reasons, including illness, fear of infecting themselves or loved ones with COVID-19, needing to care for children and other family members, and the effects of extended heavy workloads. (1–3) Those who stayed at work also experienced persistent negative impacts, with one international review identifying consequences such as losing hope or professional identity,(4) which have led to persistent workforce shortages. )…”

Toxic Leadership in Emergency Nurses: Assessing Abusive Supervision and Its Team-Level Impacts on Conflict Management and Organizational Commitment

“…Emergency departments (EDs) are critical high-stake environments within the healthcare system [1], where the pace is relentless and the margin for error is minimal [2,3]. Tese units serve as the central hub for acute treatment, where decisions must be rapid and precise [4][5][6], with the potential to signifcantly alter patient outcomes [3]. Te intensity and pressure inherent in emergency departments require a leadership style that not only facilitates rapid decision-making but also nurtures a supportive and cohesive team environment [7,8].…”