Published 30 March 2021 on Robert Gordon University’s Pulse

The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice are delighted to announce we have been successful in securing funding to explore the experiences of nurses working in the acute sector in NHS Grampian through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nurses reporting burn out and feeling overwhelmed

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed the National Health Service (NHS) under great strain. Staff have been working in extreme conditions for over a year, with many redeployed, reporting burn out and/or feeling overwhelmed.  A survey, in July 2020 during wave 1 of the pandemic, by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) of its members found 36% want to leave their profession.¹ This is a sharp rise from 27% pre-pandemic. 

Nursing shortages pre-pandemic

Prior to the pandemic Health Boards in Scotland were experiencing staff shortages with up to 8% of vacant posts and 6.3% (4,013) of vacant nursing posts.² The pandemic has heightened these shortages as staff have not only had to respond expediently to changes in service delivery, but have also had to accommodate for staff sickness and absence caused by contracting the disease, having to self-isolate, shield or through stress. Retaining experienced registered nurses, new graduates and students is important to addressing nursing shortages.

Why this research is needed now?

In order to prevent a potentially catastrophic decline in the nursing workforce (who comprise 42% of the whole NHS workforce)³ it is important to understand nurses’ experiences and develop interventions to support them at all stages of their career and find ways to encourage them to continue their careers in the NHS. Research findings have suggested these issues may be more critical in the acute sector.

It is imperative research is conducted to ensure any support provided (be it educational, practical or psychological) is fit for purpose and meets nurses’ needs.

Who is involved?

Dr Aileen Grant a medical sociologist and Senior Research Fellow, Prof Catriona Kennedy lead for research within the school, Dr Nicola Torrance a quantitative researcher and Senior Research Fellow, Dr Flora Douglas Reader, Prof Angela Kydd RGU and NHSG joint clinical nursing professor, Dr Neil Johnson lead for student experience and Dr Rosaleen O’Brien a medical sociologist and qualitative Research Fellow.

How can you help?

If you are a nurse working in the acute sector in NHSG we would love to hear from you.  Participation in the study involves completing a short questionnaire (takes <5 minutes) and if you are interested in telling us more, participating in a qualitative interview via MS Teams.  You will be given an honorarium for your time, if you participate in the interview, and will be entered into a prize draw for your participation in the questionnaire.

References

1. https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/press-releases/Sharp%20increase%20in%20nursing%20staff%20thinking%20of%20leaving%20profession%20reveals%20RCN%20research?_ga=2.153631800.1092001312.1612354202-154043921.1612354202 Accessed 03.02.2021
2. https://www.gov.scot/publications/shortage-occupations-list-2018-9-call-evidence-scottish-government-response-health-social-care/pages/5/ Accessed 20.01.21
3. https://turasdata.nes.nhs.scot/workforce-official-statistics/nhsscotland-workforce/publications/01-december-2020/ Accessed 20.01.21