Stress impact of COVID-19 in nurse managers

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has directly affected specially nurses, not only those on the front lines but also nurse managers. Aims: To assess and compare stress levels of nurse managers before and during the pandemic, and to identify predictive factors. Method: Cross-sectional studies were carried out in two moments, before and during pandemic. 102 manager nurses were recruited before the sanitary crisis (2018) and 87 during the health crisis (2020). Perceived stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale-14 and quality of professional life, job demands, motivation and managerial support were assessed with the Professional Quality of Life Questionnaire. Socio-demographic and job-related variables were also analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using student's t-test, correlations and multiple regression analysis. Results: The majority of nurse managers were women, married, who worked the morning shift. 78.2% managed nursing personnel who worked with COVID patients. They suffered a significant increase in both job demands and perceived stress level in the pandemic. Job demands, working in shifts morning, being young and being unmotivated were predictors of perceived stress level according to multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusion: Perceived stress was greatest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both, before and during the pandemic, job demands are central predictors of nurse managers' general perceived stress. It is necessary to adapt the workplace to personal characteristics of the nurse manager and increase actions to enhance their motivation and reduce their job demands to prevent stress.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess and compare the stress levels of nurse managers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as identify predictive factors. The results showed a significant increase in job demands and perceived stress levels among nurse managers during the pandemic. Predictors of perceived stress levels included job demands, working the morning shift, being young, and lack of motivation. Therefore, it is crucial to adapt the workplace to the personal characteristics of nurse managers and implement measures to enhance their motivation and reduce job demands to prevent stress.