As the initial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—such as PPE shortages and disrupted education pathways—began to ease, Oregon’s nursing leaders shifted focus to longer-term issues of burnout and emotional well-being. Nurse leaders reported a growing concern over the psychological toll on staff, with measurable increases in mental health symptoms across the workforce.
National studies reviewed in the report found that nurses experienced significantly higher levels of stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms compared to the general population. These findings underscore the persistent impact of prolonged exposure to high-risk environments, social isolation, and emotional strain throughout the pandemic.
The report also critiques the limitations of current interventions, many of which emphasize individual treatment over systemic reform. It calls for Oregon-specific research and a more holistic strategy, emphasizing workplace-level changes such as improved PPE protocols, adequate rest periods, and nurse-informed policy development to better support workforce resilience.
