Public health nurses' perceptions and experiences of emergency preparedness, responsiveness, and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective(s): To describe PHNs' perceptions and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including training, response activities, and work-related challenges.

Design: This was a qualitative study using interpretive description for analysis.

Sample: PHN participants who worked in public health departments in Wisconsin were recruited using purposive sampling. A total of 15 PHNs participated in the study, including both general and supervisor-level PHNs.

Measurements: Data were collected via semi-structured interviews from March to May 2021. Interview questions focused on PHNs' perceptions, experiences, response activities, and burnout in relation to the current pandemic as well as perceptions and experiences of emergency preparedness and response in general.

Results: Five themes emerged in the study. These were: (1) experiences and observations of the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) organizational changes and their impacts, (3) public health emergency preparedness and response, (4) public health emergency response activities, and (5) role strain and burnout.

Conclusions: Findings presented here have important implications for PHN training and support in emergency preparedness and response. A wide array of strategies focused on developing and supporting the PHN workforce in response to the public health crisis this area need to be implemented at the organizational, community, and policy levels.

Keywords: disaster response; emergency preparedness; nursing workforce; pandemic; public health nursing practice.