The analysis of COVID-19 on ICU nurses with solutions to improve wellbeing

Abstract

Introduction: To ease the psychological ramifications that COVID-19is having on ICU nurses, it is recommended that implementing aWellbeing Action Tool, would be beneficial in maintaining staffwellbeing and high quality patient care.Literature search: Robbins (2020) and Haskell et al. (2020) concludedthat leaders needed to find a solution to support staff to engage inself care. Glasper (2020) found that the wellbeing of nurses is crucialand support from colleagues is vital for both the nurse and patient; asthe care patients receive is only as good as the nurse deliveringit. Maben et al. (2020) and Yuanyuan-Mo (2020) conclude that earlyintervention from nurses is vital and supporting nurses practically andpsychologically must be made a priority.Findings: Synthesising the evidence, the themes emerged included;adopting an open culture, support of nurses and employing in selfcare.In December 2019, a public health emergency was declared (Purba,2020) with deaths passing 149.968, those being our friends, colleagues and family members and the support of nurses must bemade a priority. It is proposed that implementing an ICU WellbeingAction Tool, would prove beneficial for staff to adopt in selfcare andmaintain an open culture to access support.A survey carried out involving 3.500 ICU nurses found that 9 out of10 thought their mental health had declined.Discussion: It is acknowledged the pandemic isn't just a crisis in ourphysical health, but mental health too and finding a solution short andlong term is essential in maintaining staff health, as well as patientsafety, in order to maintain high-quality patient care on ICU. It sup-ports the evidence that staff must adopt an open culture in accessingsupport and employing self compassion to maintain their ownwellbeing and maintain patient safety.Implications for practice: This tool can be used by managers as a for-mal PDR approach or by yourself to develop one's own awareness ofstress triggers. It is recommended further research of this tool and theevaluation of it would be beneficial with the tool being transferable to other areas.