Study finds most nurses felt undervalued during pandemic

Editor's Note

A study of nurses in the UK found that the majority of those surveyed felt undervalued and under-recognized, perceiving that they did not have a voice in higher-level decision-making, during the pandemic. The findings were published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing on October 30.

Forty participants were interviewed for the study, along with the use of national data, between April and August 2022. The researchers’ analysis was informed by the 2020 ABC framework of nurses' core work well-being needs–a report by the King’s Fund that provides recommendations designed to meet three core work needs to ensure well-being and minimize stress: autonomy, belonging, and contribution. 

Most participants reported that they felt under-recognized and undervalued in their professional work and did not have the opportunity to contribute to higher-level decision-making. Structural and cultural issues contributed to these feelings of being under-valued and were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using the ABC framework, the researchers hope to not only highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of nurses, but to highlight ways that they can be better supported moving forward.