Promoting Well-being: A Scoping Review of Strategies Implemented During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Enhance the Well-being of the Nursing Workforce

Abstract

Background: The nursing workforce faces significant stressors every day that can lead to exhaustion and burnout. The unprecedented challenges that were faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, placed an added burden on nurses who were already under pressure. Nurses were at the frontline of care provision, and nursing leaders had to rapidly implement strategies to support and maintain staff safety, short and long-term well-being.

Objective: A scoping review of strategies nurse leaders and organisations initiated to enhance the well-being of their colleagues during the Covid-19 pandemic was undertaken. Experiences from around the globe have been collated to provide an insight into well-being initiatives that can inform future practice to sustain and retain the nursing workforce.

Design: A scoping review of strategies nurse leaders and organisations initiated to enhance the well-being of their colleagues during the Covid-19 pandemic was undertaken.

Method: A search of key electronic databases identified articles published between January 2020 and February 2023. 21 pieces of original research that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed.

Results: Well-being interventions evaluated in the literature included: dedicated well-being spaces, peer debriefing, psychological support, online resources and education, introduction of well-being strategies and resources, and meditations. There were six broad themes identified that enhanced the success of well-being strategies including: Education and Communication, Tailored or Adaptable Strategies, Support from Leadership, Sharing Experiences and Peer Support, and Feeling appreciated and heard. There were also barriers to accessing well-being interventions that have been identified.

Conclusion: The Covid 19 pandemic highlighted how imperative strong nursing leadership is for supporting nurses at every level. Practical strategies provided psychological support essential for maintaining the health and well-being of the nursing workforce. The strategies identified demonstrate the creativity and adaptability of nursing leadership to look after colleagues to maintain and sustain our nursing workforce.

Tweetable: Strategies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic can be used to guide ongoing initiatives to enhance wellbeing for the nursing workforce.

Keywords: Covid-19; Nursing; Pandemic; Review; Well-being; Workforce.