Date of Graduation

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Patton, Susan

Committee Member/Reader

Simpkins-Spain, Kristina

Abstract

Background: Nurses continue to experience significant challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, putting them at risk of occupational stress, burnout, and turnover. The post-traumatic growth model focuses on growth and knowledge that comes from experiences of stress and trauma.

Aim: Identify post-traumatic growth (PTG) in a population of nurses affected by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Method: PTG was measured by the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, a 21-item questionnaire with five factors: relating to others, new possibilities, appreciation of life, personal strength, and spiritual change. Participants (n=22) responded on a 6-point Likert scale, 0 for no change and 5 for great degree of change. The total score ranges from 0 to 105, with higher scores indicating higher levels of PTG.

Results: 22 nurses completed the survey. Ages ranged from 23 to 61 with the mean of 34 years. Years of experience ranged from 1 to 38 years with a mean of 8.6 years. The mean PTG scores were as follows: Relating to others 3.50; New possibilities 3.65; personal strength 4.0; spiritual change 3.05; appreciation of life 4.04. The total PTG scores ranged from 22 to 96, mean 53.05 sd 20.1. Previous studies reported mean item scores >3 reached moderate and above levels of PTG (Cui et al., 2021, Jansen et al., 2011). Four common themes were identified after interviewing seven nurses on the frontlines of the pandemic: learning on the go, need for PPE, better compensation, and mental health resources.

Conclusions: The PTG of responding nurses was moderate. Programs that introduce PTG can help build resilience and expand coping skills of nurses during times of crisis, protecting them from burnout and enhancing job satisfaction and retention.

Keywords

post-traumatic growth; burnout; job satisfaction; nursing; covid-19 pandemic

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