The double Burden of Stressful Life Events among professional nurses: public mass shootings during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background Stress is a significant consequence of frontline care. Nurses have recently been at the forefront of care for victims of both public mass shootings and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. They have been coping with stressful life events, fearing potential infection and the possibility of transmitting the virus to their patients and families, experiencing heavy workloads, high patient-nurse ratios, and extended shifts—all of which lead to exhaustion and stress. Nurses’ perceptions of mass shooting events during the COVID-19 pandemic should be explored to ensure that these professionals receive more efficient support to deliver high-quality care. This study explored nurses’ perceptions in the era of mass shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This phenomenological-hermeneutic research was performed to examine the perspectives of 16 nurses caring for patients who were either injured during a public mass shooting or infected with COVID-19. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires during online interviews using Microsoft Teams. Themes derived from structural understanding illuminated participant nurses' perceptions of patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Qualitative data analysis revealed five main themes: stressful life events, flashbulb memories, service-oriented mindset, team collaboration key, and professional needs. The theoretical interpretation points to the multidimensional perceptions of nurses and the need to confirm these perceptions and reconcile them with the psychological impact of stressful life events, making future adjustments and adaptations possible. Conclusions Interested stakeholders must consider service-oriented mindsets, team collaboration is key, and the professional needs of nurses to support and prepare novice to expert nurses for the delivery of optimal care during public health crises.