Addressing nurses' prolonged grief due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Nursing

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic imposed significant physical and emotional burdens on healthcare workers and caregivers.
• These challenges have been linked to the development of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight key learnings from the experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To outline practical self-care strategies for nurses to improve their readiness for future healthcare emergencies.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of healthcare worker experiences during the pandemic.
• Literature review on grief disorders and self-care interventions for healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• Healthcare workers faced unprecedented stressors, contributing to mental health issues like PGD and PCBD.
• Effective self-care strategies are crucial for mitigating the psychological impact on nurses.

Conclusions:

• Nurses require targeted support and self-care practices to manage the emotional toll of pandemics.
• Proactive preparation through self-care can enhance resilience and performance during future health crises.