Nurses' emotional and psychological experiences of working in COVID-19 acute-care hospital environments

Nurses are on the front lines of the acute care environments of our healthcare system; they are the human face of the response to COVID-19 and the main point of contact and connection for patients and families. They work long hours caring directly for patients and are working tirelessly to equip themselves with knowledge about the causes, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this novel virus. In the context of a shifting knowledge base concerning transmission and virulence, it is essential that nurses' experiences are examined so that they can be supported during COVID-19 and other global pandemics. Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing (DCSN) professor, Jennifer Lapum, aims to look into that. "How are nurses emotionally and psychologically affected by working in COVID-19 acute care hospital environments? What strategies are being used that promote resiliency in the face of these challenging work environments?" Lapum asks. Lapum and her research team note that we can better design tailored interventions to support nurses by first understanding their emotional and psychological responses to working in these complex and demanding areas of care. Lapum is working with DCSN's Suzanne Fredericks. They are collaborating with Julie McShane, external link, senior professional practice leader and Sannie Lai, external link, clinical manager, at the Toronto General Hospital site of the University Health Network.