2021 Annual Conference

Role of CNS in COVID-19 Pandemic

The increased demands on healthcare facilities as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) have taken an emotional and physical toll on Healthcare Workers (HCW), who are on the front lines of patient care. HCW are at an increased risk of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and PTSD as a result of repeated exposure to traumatic events (secondary trauma), long working hours, workplace violence, and repeated exposure to death and suffering. A literature review was conducted and identified resilience interventions as a theme. Interventions identified were small group resiliency training, multiple intervention approach, structured debriefing, and peer to peer support. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project will be to implement a strategy to promote resilience and develop positive coping skills reducing anxiety, depression and improving emotional well-being in HCW. The Battle Buddy intervention consists of a structured process of peer to peer support. The Battle Buddy program is widely used by the U.S. Army and was recently implemented in the Hospital setting by the University of Minnesota as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Anticipate, Plan, Deter (APD) model and strategies to promote resilience and emotional well-being will be made available to the participants. The intervention will be piloted in the college of nursing (CON) at a large Midwestern University and will include students enrolled in the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) program. The intervention will be implemented in phases that include assigning Battle Buddy pairs, providing resources, and structured (optional) Battle Buddy Workshops. The well Being Index (WBI) will be used to survey the students pre implementation (baseline), 6 weeks following full implementation, and 12 weeks following full implementation (post).