Resilience, Moral Injury, and Burnout Among RNs: A Time-Series Analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Mental Health
• Healthcare Workforce Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare systems, exacerbating pre-existing challenges for the nursing workforce.
• Understanding the long-term mental health consequences for nurses is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess changes in burnout, moral injury, and resilience among Registered Nurses (RNs) in North Carolina over an 18-month period.
• To evaluate the temporal relationship between these psychological outcomes in response to pandemic-related stressors.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, time-series design was employed.
• Survey data were collected from RNs at three distinct time points over 18 months.
• Validated instruments including the Professional Quality of Life Measure, Moral Injury Symptom Scale for Health Professionals, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were utilized.

Main Results:

• Burnout and moral injury levels significantly increased within the first six months.
• Resilience and compassion satisfaction demonstrated a significant decrease during the initial six months.
• No significant improvements in these psychological measures were observed in the subsequent 12 months.

Conclusions:

• The prolonged impact of the pandemic on nurses' mental health necessitates interventions at multiple levels: individual, organizational, and systemic.
• Transforming workplace culture, environment, and structures is essential to support the well-being of the nursing workforce.