Nurses call for lasting mental health support after Covid

Strong leadership, supportive colleagues and clear work-life boundaries are the most effective ways to protect nurses' mental health during prolonged public health emergencies, according to a new study.

Adjunct Professor Pauline Calleja from the College of Healthcare Sciences at James Cook University led the research. She said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significant workplace pressures faced by healthcare professionals.

"Many reported a lack of adequate support within their work environments, including insufficient support for graduate nurses.

"These factors not only compromise individual wellbeing but also contribute to job dissatisfaction, a greater intention to leave the profession, reduced compassion and poorer patient care," Professor Calleja said.

The researchers interviewed 20 nurses from two large regional public hospitals and health services.

Professor Calleja said while nurses recognised that no-one could control the broader impacts of the pandemic, participants described its prolonged and constantly changing nature as a major workforce challenge.

"Adaptability emerged as a critical factor in maintaining both staff wellbeing and patient care.

"The findings highlighted the importance of collaborative leadership rather than authoritarian management styles. Nurses reported that leaders who maintained a visible presence in clinical settings and actively engaged with staff fostered trust and confidence. In contrast, a lack of visible leadership contributed to a perceived divide between management and frontline clinicians, reinforcing an 'us versus them' culture," she said.

Professor Calleja said peer support and teamwork were consistently identified as the most valuable coping strategies.

"Nurses described colleagues as a vital source of encouragement, practical assistance and emotional support throughout periods of uncertainty," she said.

Outside the workplace, Professor Calleja said self-care was recognised as essential for long-term resilience.

"Participants emphasised the importance of maintaining boundaries between professional and personal life, allowing time to recover and prioritising their own physical and emotional wellbeing."

The researchers found nursing managers play a central role in supporting staff during extended crises.

"Rather than relying on short-term wellbeing initiatives, healthcare organisations should embed proactive, accessible mental health support into everyday practice. We recommend creating regular opportunities for team connection, reflection and debriefing to strengthen workplace cohesion," said Professor Calleja.

She said sustained investment in supportive leadership, teamwork and staff wellbeing would be essential to building a resilient nursing workforce as the healthcare sector continues to face evolving challenges.

Link to paper here.