In a new study involving a diverse group of nurses, these professionals unanimously report experiencing “moral distress” throughout the pandemic. They also say they lacked support to provide quality care.
Among other findings:
- Study participants cited frustration with healthcare leadership who were out of touch with frontline teams.
- They say they felt powerless to protect themselves and others from contracting COVID-19.
- They say that being put in difficult patient care situations caused them to experience feelings of guilt.
The study authors suggest a need for clear, safe standards for nurses that will hold healthcare facilities accountable. They also recommend investment by healthcare organizations and policymakers in mental health resources and efforts to understand and provide support for nurses’ needs.
