Critical Care Nurses’ Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A US National Survey

Authors

Jill L. Guttormson, Marquette UniversityFollow
Kelly Calkins, Marquette UniversityFollow
Natalie S. McAndrew, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Jacklynn M. Fitzgerald, Marquette UniversityFollow
Holly Lynn Losurdo, Marquette UniversityFollow
Danielle Loonsfoot, Froedtert Hospital

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2022

Publisher

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

Source Publication

American Journal of Critical Care

Source ISSN

1062-3264

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022312

Abstract

Background

Given critical care nurses’ high prepandemic levels of moral distress and burnout, the COVID-19 pandemic will most likely have a tremendous influence on intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ mental health and continuation in the ICU workforce.

Objective

To describe the experiences of ICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Methods

Nurses who worked in ICUs in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic were recruited to complete a survey from October 2020 through early January 2021 through social media and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Three open-ended questions focused on the experiences of ICU nurses during the pandemic.

Results

Of 498 nurses who completed the survey, 285 answered the open-ended questions. Nurses reported stress related to a lack of evidence-based treatment, poor patient prognosis, and lack of family presence in the ICU. Nurses perceived inadequate leadership support and inequity within the health care team. Lack of consistent community support to slow the spread of COVID-19 or recognition that COVID-19 was real increased nurses’ feelings of isolation. Nurses reported physical and emotional symptoms including exhaustion, anxiety, sleeplessness, and moral distress. Fear of contracting COVID-19 or of infecting family and friends was also prevalent.

Conclusions

Intensive care unit nurses in the United States experienced unprecedented and immense burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these experiences provides insights into areas that must be addressed to build and sustain an ICU nurse workforce. Studies are needed to further describe nurses’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify effective resources that support ICU nurse well-being.

Comments

American Journal of Critical Care, Vol. 31, No. 2 (March 2022): 96-103. DOI.

Recommended Citation

Guttormson, Jill L.; Calkins, Kelly; McAndrew, Natalie S.; Fitzgerald, Jacklynn M.; Losurdo, Holly Lynn; and Loonsfoot, Danielle, "Critical Care Nurses’ Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A US National Survey" (2022). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 909.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/909