Changed Perceptions: Lessons Learned Regarding Nurse's Postpandemic Concerns

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Leadership
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted in a large medical center's nursing department in late 2019.
• The initial analysis aimed to inform the 2020 Nursing Strategic Plan and guide project work.
• The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted strategic planning efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate nursing department perceptions using a SWOT analysis in 2022, post-pandemic.
• To compare pre- and post-pandemic staff nurse perceptions of the department's SWOT.
• To inform the 2023 Nursing Strategic Plan and guide future initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A comparative Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis was performed with staff nurses.
• Data was collected in late 2019 and again in 2022.
• Thematic analysis was employed to interpret nurse perceptions pre- and post-pandemic.

Main Results:

• The study identified shifts in staff nurse perceptions of the nursing department's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
• Pre- and post-pandemic SWOT analysis data provides a comparative view of nursing staff sentiment.
• Findings highlight changes in perceived organizational strengths and challenges.

Conclusions:

• Nurse leaders can utilize these findings to address evolving staff perceptions in the post-pandemic healthcare landscape.
• Understanding shifts in SWOT perceptions is crucial for effective nursing strategic planning.
• The study offers reflections for managing both positive and negative perceptions in nursing departments.