Preparing for Aftershocks: Traumatic Experiences of Frontline Nurses and Implications for Psychiatric Care Following COVID-19

Written by Shannon D. Simonovich, Irina E. Livitz, Roxanne S. Spurlark, Bjorn E. Payne, Nadia Quad, Hsiang Huang, & Kate Zona

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2026.1601.1604

Abstract

Background: Research remains limited regarding first-hand accounts of the trauma endured by nurses providing patient care during the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To describe the traumatic experiences of nurses providing patient care in theUS during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to make clinical recommendations for the mental health care of acute care nurses moving forward.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study utilized thematic analysis. Thirty-two nurses and advanced practice nurses who cared for patients in emergency and acute care settings during the first wave of COVID-19 were interviewed.

Results: Key themes identified included: 1) experiences of direct trauma while caring for patients and 2) a range of responses to this trauma, including anxiety, fatigue and exhaustion, grief and loss, and helplessness and hopelessness.

Conclusion: This study discusses the importance of tailored approaches to address the traumatic experiences of nurses and promote recovery, resilience, and well-being. Healthcare organizations should implement strategies to decrease mental health stigma and normalize mental health difficulties related to working on the frontlines of a pandemic, create psychologically safe venues for reflection and support, and make structural changes to decrease burnout.

Keywords: COVID-19, healthcare, nursing, trauma, coping, resilience