COVID-19 Pandemic Sequelae: Mental Health of Cardiothoracic Critical Care Nurses

Critical care nurses are at high risk for anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, leading to poor professional quality of life.

To explore the current state of cardiothoracic critical care nurses' mental health and professional quality of life as restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted, specifically (1) to explore nurses' levels of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression, and professional quality of life; and (2) to determine relationships between demographic characteristics, supportive factors, and intent to leave the profession and dependent variables.

A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was administered to cardiothoracic intensive care nurses in a tertiary care, Magnet-designated academic medical center in the northeastern United States. The survey incorporated established measures of mental health and perceptions of professional quality of life.

The sample consisted of 34 mostly female nurses with a bachelor's degree or higher. Participants had a mean (SD) of 10.7 (10.3) years of experience. Severity scores for mental health and professional quality of life ranged from mild to moderate. Significant relationships were found among mental health variables, intent to leave the profession, and evidence-based supportive factors. Supportive factors influenced scores on measures of mental health and burnout. Support from friends and family was related to anxiety and depression scores. Intent to leave the profession was significantly related to all mental health variables. The incidence of burnout was higher among younger nurses.

The findings point to the critical need to identify innovative strategies to increase support, particularly from peers and organizational leadership.