The experiences of mental health nurses working through COVID-19: an analysis of long-term support needs

Abstract

Background/Aims Throughout the global pandemic, nurses have had to deal with increased workloads, the fear of exposure to COVID-19 on top of risking their own health and that of their families. In mental health services, the challenge of providing care for distressed service users while managing identified personal experiences has been significant. The aim of this study was to explore mental health nurses' professional experiences of working through the global pandemic and how personal circumstances may have impacted on this. The objectives were to examine the consequences of working through the pandemic to identify future support needs. Methods This qualitative study used descriptive data from (n=161) responses received via a Qualtrics survey that was subjected to a thematic analysis. Results Following data analysis, four themes were identified: contamination; alienation; resilience; and existential shift. Conclusions Mental health nurses continue to prove their ability to adapt and operationalise change in a high intensity environment. However, there is an impact in having to manage personal safety, fears, personal circumstances and mental health in the long term. Strong and emotionally supportive leadership and individualised support is needed to help alleviate the long-term burden on mental health nurses.