Aim

To explore primary healthcare nurses’ mental health, concerns, and perceived safety and supports during COVID-19.

Background

Respiratory pandemics have negative impacts on nurses’ wellbeing. While literature is replete with hospital nurses’ experiences, there is less exploration of COVID-19 impacts on primary healthcare nurses. Given the importance of primary healthcare nurses in the health system, understanding their experiences is vital.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 359 primary healthcare nurses. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was used to measure emotional state. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

DASS-21 scores indicated that 39.6% of participants were experiencing depressive, anxiety or stress symptoms. Of those, 41.8% were experiencing symptoms on one scale, 26.9% were experiencing symptoms on two scales and 31.2% were experiencing symptoms across all three scales. Most participants identified that their feelings were related to COVID-19.

Conclusions

COVID-19 is having a significant impact on primary healthcare nurses’ mental health. Nurse managers need to develop strategies to effectively address nurses’ concerns and support them to sustain the workforce during and after the pandemic.

Implications for nursing management

Findings from this study can inform the design of effective support programs to reduce mental health impacts and promote staff wellbeing.