Psychological, physical, and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital nurses

Abstract

Aim: The study aim was to explore the physical, mental, and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Austrian nurses working in hospitals.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic required nurses to work extremely hard and over long periods, which can have physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Methods: This study was carried out using a qualitative descriptive design and data was collected through individual interviews using an interview guide. A qualitative content analysis was conducted taking both deductive and inductive approaches.

Findings: Eighteen nurses (average age of 34.7 years) participated in the study. Their general attitude and feelings regarding working during the COVID-19 pandemic in the hospital setting were positive. Several behavioral changes in the nurses' daily working and private daily lives were reported. Psychological impacts included the fear of infecting someone at home, insomnia, and sadness. Headaches, diarrhea, muscle tension, skin redness, and increased sweating were identified as the most common physical impacts. In terms of social impact, all nurses mentioned social isolation and the increased use of (new) media.

Conclusions: Working with people suffering from COVID-19 had psychological and physical effects on caregivers. Caregivers felt socially isolated in their private environments; however, they often compensated for this isolation by using social media.

Implications for nursing and implications for nursing policy: Staff perceived the provision of sufficient information, regular team meetings, and the employer's positive reinforcement as supportive, enhancing their feelings of security. We recommend providing more psychological support and making structural adjustments in daily clinical practice to counteract the negative effects of working during a pandemic.

Keywords: health and safety; nursing; nursing policy; qualitative research.