RT journal article
T1 Professional grief among nurses in Spanish public health centers after caring for COVID-19 patients
A1 Vázquez Sánchez, María Ángeles
A1 Ayllón-Pérez, Victoria
A1 Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Daniel
A1 Valero Cantero, Inmaculada
A1 Fernández-Ordóñez, Eloísa
A1 García-Gámez, Marina
A1 Casals Vázquez, Cristina
A2 Didáctica de la Educación FísicaPlástica y Musical
K1 coronavirus infection
K1 grief
K1 mental health
K1 nurse–patient relations
K1 qualitative research
AB Aims and objectives The aim of the present study is to investigate the professional grief suffered by nurses in various medical units, after coping with the COVID-19 pandemic for the last 18 months. Background Addressing and acknowledging the reality of professional grief is of fundamental importance to nurses' mental health, as this condition has both professional and personal consequences. Design A qualitative, content analysis approach was taken. Methods Based on 25 interviews with nursing professionals working in different health centers units were performed. The following sampling schemes were used: first, convenience sampling, then nominated sampling, and finally theoretical sampling. Results From our analysis of the data obtained, three main themes were identified: the impact on nurses of COVID-19 outcomes; the symptoms of professional grief; and cognitive reactions. These core elements interacted with 12 subtopics, including symptoms of grief and the cognitive impact produced. Conclusions A large proportion of the nurses consulted in this study have suffered and suffered professional grief and report many related symptoms. In response to the present pandemic and any future occurrence, the question of professional grief needs to be addressed. Relevance to clinical practice To help them cope better with this type of situation, nurses should receive appropriate training. Moreover, healthcare institutions should be made aware of the problem and be encouraged to offer assistance to address the impact produced on nurses by the deaths of their patients. Clinical relevance This study shows the impact of professional grief on nurses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses are affected personally by the deaths of patients and by alterations to their working conditions. In many cases, this grief remains unresolved and its various symptoms persist.
PB WILEY
SN 1547-5069
YR 2022
FD 2022-09
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/27474
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/27474
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 12-nov-2026