'Stressed out' nurses could quit after Coronavirus crisis
Stress from coping with the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to a generation of "burnt-out" nurses who will leave the profession when the crisis is over, according to healthcare experts.
tress from coping with the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to a generation of "burnt-out" nurses who will leave the profession when the crisis is over, according to healthcare experts.
Researchers from the universities of Southampton and Surrey have developed new guidance to help support the psychological and mental health needs of nursing staff in a bid to help them deal with the emotional and physical intensity of their work.
Jill Maben, professor of health services research and nursing at the University of Surrey, said: "Nurses are on the front line of care delivery, experiencing intense emotional, social and ethical difficulties as they rise to the challenge of caring for patients in such unprecedented times.
"If we are to avoid a generation of burnt-out nurses, their physiological, psychological and safety needs must be prioritised.
"Nurses injured by stress may be the last to recognise it; they are 'wired' to look after others and not self and they therefore need colleagues, friends and managers to remind them to think of themselves.
"If nursing staff are not supported during this time, there is the danger that once this is all over they will leave the profession, which will put enormous strain on an already overstretched health service."
The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, highlights that prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, nurses were already under "considerable stress" because of understaffing, with 44,000 registered nurse vacancies in the UK.
The guidance identifies physiological and safety needs for nurses from the importance of ensuring they have enough food, drink, rest and recovery as well as protection from infection through to managers ensuring they are "highly visible and approachable".
Jackie Bridges, professor of older people's care at the University of Southampton, said: "When we're caught up in trying to manage a crisis like Covid-19, it can be easy to be distracted from the price that is paid by nurses providing patient care.
"By making sure staff wellbeing is a priority and putting active measures in place to support nursing staff, employers in all relevant health and social care settings can reduce staff stress and distress and help ward off the development of longer-term mental health problems."
Published: by Radio NewsHub