Keywords

bereavement, coaching, COVID-19, nurse coaching, nurse leadership, psychological distress, staff support

 

Authors

  1. Rosa, William E. PhD, MBE, ACHPN, FAANP, FAAN
  2. Levoy, Kristin PhD, MSN, RN, OCN
  3. Battista, Vanessa RN, MS, CPNP-PC, CHPPN
  4. Dahlin, Constance MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN
  5. Thaxton, Cheryl DNP, APRN, CPNP, FNP-BC, CHPPN, ACHPN, FPCN
  6. Greer, Kelly BS

Abstract

Nurses are confronting a number of negative mental health consequences owing to high burdens of grief during COVID-19. Despite increased vaccination efforts and lower hospitalization and mortality rates, the long-term effects of mass bereavement are certain to impact nurses for years to come. The nurse coaching process is an evidence-based strategy that nurse leaders can use to assist staff in mitigating negative mental health outcomes associated with bereavement. The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium brought together a team of palliative nursing experts early in the pandemic to create resources to support nurses across settings and promote nurse well-being. This article shares a timely resource for health systems and nursing administration that leverages the nurse coaching process to support bereaved staff in a safe and therapeutic environment.