“No filters needed . . .”: A qualitative study exploring sister circles and workplace messages for Black women healthcare professionals during the double pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the experiences of Black women healthcare professionals during the pandemic in the United States, with a particular focus on those in sister circles. Design: This is qualitative research with data from online survey results. Methods: A qualitative survey was distributed through listservs and via social media from December 2021–April 2022. The qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis to extract the themes. Results: There were 69 respondents, primarily represented in hospitals, dentist offices, and mental health offices. The majority of respondents stated that they had one to three sister circles, with them primarily being formed online. The themes that arose from the meanings of membership in sister circles during the pandemic were (1) sister circles offered them a space to be sane and safe, (2) members received access to professional support, and (3) they are needed. As Black women healthcare professionals, the workplace messages they received were (1) either their workplace provided them with solidarity or (2) made them feel unsafe and undervalued. Conclusion: Sister circles provided these Black women healthcare professionals with a space of coping during the pandemic, as well as a site to respond to their workplace burnout.