The COVID-19 health crisis: its effects on nurse residents and resources to combat them

Abstract

Introduction: after the declaration of the state of alarm as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare staff were subjected to high levels of stress; in addition, nurse residents experienced a scenario of great uncertainty due to their status as professionals in training. Objective: to identify the consequences and coping strategies that nurse residents have shown in the face of the COVID-19 health crisis. Material and methods: the study sample comprised 96 nurse residents in Spain. Data were collected through a self-designed online survey to explore the experiences and consequences undergone, the strategies carried out to increase well-being, and a reflection on what residents think should be improved in a future similar crisis. Results: the results show that the COVID-19 pandemic generated in nurse residents a sense of lack of recognition and fear of infection, with symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia, their main strategies to reduce them being limiting information and establishing routines, and detecting the need to improve stress management in this type of situation. Conclusions: nurse residents reported anxiety-depressive symptoms, which is in line with other studies in healthcare staff, the results obtained being a reflection of the importance of the prevention and promotion of mental health to cope with future health crises.