RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Focusing on Canadian critical care nurses (CCNs), the study objectives were to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on: mental health, quality of work life, and intent to stay in their current positions. RESEARCH DESIGN: Mixed-methods study using an online cross-sectional survey and integration of closed- and open-ended survey data. SETTING: Canadian CCNs working in an intensive care unit, high acuity unit, or intensive care step-down unit during the COVID-19 pandemic between May 2021 to June 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The survey consisted of four instruments: (1) the impact of event scale - revised, (2) the depression, anxiety, and stress scale, (3) the professional quality of life scale, and (4) intent to turnover tool, as well as one optional open-ended question. RESULTS: From across Canada, 425 CCNs responded. The large majority reported symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (74%), depression (70%), anxiety (57%), and stress (61%). All (100%) reported moderate to high burnout, 87% were suffering from signs of secondary traumatic stress, and 22% intended to quit their current employment. Qualitative analysis of written comments submitted by 147 (34.5%) of the respondents depicted an immense mental health toll on CCNs that stemmed from 1) failed leadership and 2) the traumatic nature of the work environment, that led to 3) a sense of disillusionment, defeat, and an intent to leave. CONCLUSION: The mental health toll of the pandemic has been significant for Canadian CCNs and highlights the urgent need for individual supports and systems level changes.