In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak that originated in Wuhan in early 2020, China swiftly mobilized over 42,000 healthcare workers, with a significant 68% being dedicated nurses, to provide vital support to Wuhan and Hubei. While these healthcare heroes played a pivotal role in the battle against the virus, a meta-analysis has shed light on the psychological toll it has taken on them. Sleep problems, depression, and anxiety emerged as the most prevalent psychological challenges faced by nurses during this unprecedented crisis. Despite these findings, there is a notable scarcity of reports detailing the coping strategies employed by nurses grappling with pandemic-induced mental health issues.
Nurses on the frontlines faced myriad challenges. They were in constant proximity to COVID-19 patients, often assisting with tasks like sputum drainage, thereby exposing themselves to a heightened risk of infection. Additionally, nurses took on the solemn responsibility of handling the deceased, a task fraught with emotional weight. Their unwavering commitment to monitoring patients’ conditions often meant refraining from basic necessities, such as drinking water or taking restroom breaks during their demanding shifts. Some even resorted to wearing adult nappies to minimize disruptions. Tragically, in the course of their duties, some nurses contracted COVID-19 and, in heartbreaking instances, lost their lives.
Furthermore, nurses played a pivotal role in the massive vaccination campaign that saw over 3.4 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in China. Responding to vaccination demands, nurses readily traveled to various locations, including residents’ homes, to ensure swift inoculation, especially for the elderly and less mobile individuals.
Despite progress in combating the virus, sporadic local COVID-19 cases still emerge, particularly following extended domestic holidays. In response, local authorities have initiated extensive RNA screening efforts to identify positive cases and asymptomatic infections. Nurses are at the forefront of these screening efforts, responsible for collecting throat swab specimens. These collection points are often located outdoors, exposing nurses to various weather conditions. The demanding nature of this work has led to instances where nurses have fainted due to exhaustion.
A unique challenge stems from the cultural context, as Chinese nurses tend to keep their psychological struggles to themselves, influenced by traditional values. This stoicism persists even in the face of insults and attacks at work, with many nurses choosing to internalize these experiences rather than seek support. While the establishment of psychological counseling helplines and clinics during the pandemic was a step in the right direction, the demand for face-to-face counseling often exceeded availability, leaving some nurses without the necessary support to address their psychological challenges.
In light of these challenges, it is imperative for medical authorities and hospitals to proactively provide coping strategies and support systems to assist nurses in addressing their mental health needs. The resilience and dedication demonstrated by nurses throughout the pandemic underscore the importance of acknowledging and addressing their well-being as they continue to play an indispensable role in healthcare systems worldwide.
