D.B.A.  Baker College (Michigan), 2024.
Specialization:  Nursing; Health care management; Health sciences, Occupational safety; Mental health

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on registered nurses in an acute care hospital
155 pages. UMI #: 31557202
Citation, Abstract & Full text in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database

During the COVID-19 pandemic, registered nurses (RNs) were confronted with variouschallenges, including a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), stressful updates, andunclear guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The problem is that RNs in acutecare hospitals in the United States faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.RNs experienced burnout, physical exhaustion, increased stress levels, emotional tension, andmoral distress. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on RNs in anacute care setting. This study was an exploration of the phenomena of the COVID-19 pandemicand its impact on RNs in a hospital in Southeast Michigan. The qualitative phenomenologicalstudy focused on the experiences that impacted RNs. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory andKahn’s engagement theory assisted in identifying an individual’s workplace needs and theirconnection to their safety and emotional well-being. The research population was RNs employedin direct patient care positions in the emergency department (ED) throughout the pandemic,working either the day or night shift. Purposive sampling was used to select 11 RNs who met thecriteria. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted. MAXQDA software was used tocode and identify themes. The significance of the study was to understand the impact of thepandemic on ED nurses working the frontlines. The results of this study revealed that thepandemic presented challenges to the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of RNs.Despite the hospital leadership’s efforts to prioritize safety, RNs did not feel secure at work. RNsexperienced difficulties in their basic needs being met, leading to feelings of insecurity regarding hospital leadership. RNs felt supported by their direct leaders but not by hospital leaders due to a lack of communication, fair compensation, and visibility. During a crisis, it is important to support the safety and emotional well-being of RNs. This can be achieved through regular mental health check-ins, in-person counseling, employee assistance programs that proactively reach out to employees, and support groups. An examination of the impact of COVID-19 on RNs in various healthcare facilities and impacts on nurse retention may be valuable for future research.

• Susan Cathcart, Ph.D., Chair
• Christianna Orvis, Ph.D.
• Debra K. Smith, Ed.D.