Differences by Nurse Type in Professional Quality of Life Perceptions from Pre-COVID-19 to Intra-COVID-19

Abstract

The healthcare environment has become increasingly difficult during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic that began in March 2020. In this article, we discuss a study that considered differences by nurse type in professional quality of life perceptions. The primary study aim was to quantify differences in pre-COVID-19 and intra-COVID-19 perceptions of compassion satisfaction (CS) and compassion fatigue (CF) by nurse type, using the ProQOL survey. A secondary aim was to evaluate nurse perceptions of the intra-COVID-19 work environment. The study methods utilized a survey design with random sampling by nurse type (clinical, nurse manager, nurse director, and other nurse). Results suggested that intra-COVID-19, nurse managers had significantly greater CF scores. Intra-COVID-19, nurse directors had greater CS. COVID-19 negatively impacted self-care activities for nurses. Our discussion considers these findings related to pre-pandemic research that considered CS and CF. Implications for research and practice included identification of best practices for improvement in work environment, especially for nurse managers, and general recommendations for hazard pay and paid time off. While nurse managers have the greatest CF, all nurses need pandemic-related support.