The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian critical care nurses. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crowe, Sarah; Fuchsia Howard, A.; Vanderspank, Brandi
• Is Part Of: Intensive and critical care nursing. Volume 71(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Nursing -- Mental Health -- Pandemic -- Turnover -- Critical Care; Intensive care nursing -- Periodicals; Critical Illness -- nursing -- Periodicals; Intensive Care -- Periodicals; Nursing Care -- Periodicals; Intensive care nursing; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.028
• DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-3397

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Focusing on Canadian critical care nurses (CCNs), the study objectives were to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on: mental health, quality of work life, and intent to stay in their current positions. Research design: Mixed-methods study using an online cross-sectional survey and integration of closed- and open-ended survey data. Setting: Canadian CCNs working in an intensive care unit, high acuity unit, or intensive care step-down unit during the COVID-19 pandemic between May 2021 to June 2021. Main outcome measures: The survey consisted of four instruments: (1) the impact of event scale – revised, (2) the depression, anxiety, and stress scale, (3) the professional quality of life scale, and (4) intent to turnover tool, as well as one optional open-ended question. Results: From across Canada, 425 CCNs responded. The large majority reported symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (74%), depression (70%), anxiety (57%), and stress (61%). All (100%) reported moderate to high burnout, 87% were suffering from signs of secondary traumatic stress, and 22% intended to quit their current employment. Qualitative analysis of written comments submitted by 147 (34.5%) of the respondents depicted an immense mental health toll on CCNs that stemmed from 1) failed leadership and 2) the traumatic nature of the work environment, that led to 3) a sense of disillusionment, defeat, and an intent to leave. Conclusion: The mental health toll of the pandemic has been significant for Canadian CCNs and highlights the urgent need for individual supports and systems level changes.