Citation

Shah M, Roggenkamp M, Ferrer L, Burger V, Brassil KJ. Clin. J. Oncol. Nurs. 2021; 25(1): 69-75.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Oncology Nursing Press)

DOI

10.1188/21.CJON.69-75

PMID

33480882

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The risk of psychological effects from the COVID-19 pandemic is significant and manifests as stress, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and, in some cases, suicide. The need for psychological support services for healthcare providers should be included in all pandemic and disaster planning.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to explore the potential psychological sequelae of nursing during a pandemic and to provide recommendations to support a psychologically healthy work environment.
METHODS: Highlights from the literature on psychological sequelae, symptoms, and outcomes related to COVID-19 and prior pandemics is presented, along with insight from the experiences of oncology nurses caring for patients with COVID-19.
FINDINGS: Destigmatizing mental health needs for healthcare providers empowers them to seek support. Hospital administrators must develop proactive wellness plans for the triage and management of mental and emotional health needs during a pandemic that prioritize transparent communication, resources for healthcare providers within and beyond the clinical setting, and training.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; mental health; COVID-19; Mental Health; pandemic; Stress, Psychological; Burnout, Professional; Nursing Care; coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; oncology nursing; Nursing Staff, Hospital