Episode 20: Nurses on the Brink: Addressing Psychological Stress Amidst COVID-19

In this in-depth episode, we discuss the critical topic of the cumulative impact of Covid workload on healthcare providers and their institutions. Because of the paucity of studies on this topic, it is essential that we provide more information about the emotional and physical stress experienced by frontline medical workers. 

Stress, mental health issues, the potential for long-term COVID, and the need to wear protective gear can be a lot to bear. This podcast delves into why nurses require consistent follow-up and workplace support, with an emphasis on addressing the spectrum of mental health problems that can occur in the nursing profession. Come with us as we unearth the hidden histories of nurse resiliency and the critical need for aid.

Is the strain of COVID on hospitals and nurses anything you've ever thought about?

What effects do you think the pandemic has had on the emotional and physical well-being of those who work in the medical field?

What do you think the most important form of assistance is for nurses facing the difficulties of COVID-19?

Do you know that many nurses are leaving the field because of the stress they face?

In your opinion, what measures may be made to improve the healthcare industry's ability to recruit and retain qualified nurses?

Join us NOW as we uncover the untold stories of nurses' resilience and the urgent need for support.

Transcript

 Episode 21: Nurses on the Brink: Addressing Psychological Stress Amidst COVID-19

Intro
 To say it’s been a crazy few years would be an understatement. We live in an ever changing world, one constantly challenging people to their very core. It is because of this we aim to create assuredness in an uncertain world. 
 
 Welcome to the Project ReNew podcast, a show for nurses - and angels looking to help nurses - and anyone in search of motivation. Let’s bring you and your passion back to where you were when you first started out. Let’s reignite that fire together.
 
  This is the Project ReNew Podcast.
 
 The Problem

As the pandemic is recent, not much research has been done on the long-term effects of COVID pressure on nurses and on hospitals. What we do know is that on the frontline, medical staff are highly likely to develop mental health problems, and an increased risk of physiological damage due to long COVID and wearing PPE. Dealing with COVID-19 creates negative responses that means it is very necessary for nurses to have proper follow-up and workplace support in order to address the many and wide-ranging psychological issues that may arise. The burden of psychological stress and mental health on nurses is almost too much to bear.

Nurses have died fighting on the frontlines of COVID-19. In fact, they still are dying; and yet, we carry on, playing a vital role in fighting COVID-19 to keep the public safe. However, this comes with the risk of being exposed to vulnerable, life-threatening situations. Due to the repeated exposure to life or death situations, particularly if the nurse has a vulnerable family member at home, the nurse's physical and psychological suffering is likely to increase.

The Explanation

Many healthcare professionals are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed due to the pandemic. This might be because you are covering extra shifts because of staff shortages, or perhaps you are forcing yourself to work when you are sick, because you are worried about losing pay. Perhaps you are working regularly past the end of your shift, simply because there is nobody to take over when you leave. This is enough to have a severe toll on your mental and physical health, leaving you exhausted and stressed.

Perhaps you are working so closely on the front line that you are reluctant to see other people, such as your friends and family, because you are worried about passing the virus on to them. This can be made particularly more difficult if you have a vulnerable family member. 

The Solution

All stakeholders who have any remote compassion for our healthcare professionals should be offering their full support to our Healthcare Heroes on the Frontline. All Nurses want to do is improve people's health and well-being - And yet, insufferable work conditions lead to a mass amount of nurses leaving the profession every year. At the minute, nearly 30% of registered nurses in the US want to leave their current job. If we do not take action now to address the post-COVID response to nurses, there will be more patients left than the nurses to take care of them. This will lead to an increase in patient mortality, and overall worse patient outcomes. Therefore, it is vital that we act now before it is too late. Prevention is always better than cure.

The first solution, and the solution that people are most crying out for, is that the government needs to attract more good quality talent into nursing roles. By raising pay and offering fair working conditions, with good employability and career progression, successful students who want to help others will be drawn into the profession. By having a higher staff number, the workload will be shared equally, reducing the pressure on the nurses.

Next, the government should launch educational campaigns that praise nurses, using modern techniques such as social media reels in order to highlight how attractive the profession is. In addition, training as a nurse needs to be financially viable. This could be attracted by offering student loan forgiveness for nurses, or extra financial support for those training to be nurses. Childcare in every hospital should be an industry standard, with a free creche for nurses to drop their children off while they do a busy shift.

These are just a few ideas, but it’s a start - and a damn sight better than what is being offered now. 

A Question to Consider

What do you believe you would need in order to stay registered as a nurse? What do you think is the most troublesome aspect of the job you once loved - is it the pay, the working conditions, the pandemic? Whatever it is, talk to your supervisor - you may be surprised at the solutions that can come up. Two heads are always better than one, and a problem shared is a problem halved.

Sources For Help and Advice
 https://www.canadian-nurse.com/blogs/cn-content/2022/05/02/healing-nurses-amid-the-p andemic-bringing-the-art https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/news/pandemic-inspires-futur e-nurses-welcome-increase-school-and-college-leavers-looking-enter-profession https://www.elsevier.com/connect/what-does-2021-hold-for-nurses-and-the-nursing-profe ssion https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/13/there-were-moments-i-questioned-mypassion-for-the-job-the-overseas-nurses-helping-to-keep-the-nhs-running https://rcni.com/nursing-standard/opinion/editorial/where-next-how-pandemic-has-madenurses-reconsider-their-careers-180771 https://www.bmj.com/content/373/bmj.n1105 https://nursejournal.org/ask-a-nurse/is-it-worth-becoming-a-nurse-in-a-pandemic

 Outro
  We really hope you enjoyed this episode of the Project ReNew Podcast. Stay connected with us through www.ProjectReNew.Co. You can also join this discussion on Twitter @ProjectReNewPod, and on Instagram at @ProjectReNewPodcast. If you would like to speak with us, please send us an email through our website. As always, thank you for pushing your mindset and your heart towards a better reality. This concludes the most thought-provoking part of your day. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay fully up to date. Until next time, be kind to yourself, and to
 each other.
 
 

 As a fellow nurse, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for each and every one of our listeners. 
 
 As nurses, we are all part of an essential and noble profession, and our dedication and hard work make a real difference in the lives of our patients. 

As Brené Brown says, ' Resilience is the ability to move through difficult experiences and to come out on the other side with wisdom and compassion.' 

Our podcast is dedicated to exploring resilience from trauma and the pandemic, providing practical advice and reviews of symptoms to help our listeners navigate these challenging times.

It's important to note that the information provided in our podcast is for educational and informational purposes only.

 The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 Always seek the advice of your physician, other qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

 As a colleague, I encourage you to continue to listen to our podcast, engage with the content, and use it to enhance your nursing practice and further your professional and personal growth."