COVID-19 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Clinical Nurse Specialists

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine if a relationship exists between the coronavirus 2019 pandemic and posttraumatic stress disorder in clinical nurse specialists. Design The study used a nonexperimental, correlational, cross-sectional design to explore the relationship between exposure to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic and posttraumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms. Methods The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists distributed the electronic survey from August to October 2020. State affiliates and accrediting bodies distributed the survey from October to December 2020. The survey consisted of the Impact of Events Scale — Revised, which measures signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. The target sample size was at least 100. Results Statistically significant relationships were identified between the participant demographics, coronavirus 2019 exposure, and signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in clinical nurse specialists. Of 129 participants, 30% had Impact of Events Scale — Revised scores that are clinically concerning for posttraumatic stress disorder. Conclusions Clinical nurse specialists can guide policy, practice, and education interventions to combat posttraumatic stress disorder due to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic.