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need for support

UBC study reveals nurses were in need of mental health supports before the COVID-19 pandemic

Jun 25, 2020 | 5:00 AM

VANCOUVER—A study conducted by University of British Columbia Researchers shows that nurses were reporting high levels of mental injury and workplace violence, before COVID-19.

The study, commissioned by the B.C. Nurses Union had 4,462 respondents working in various areas in the health care system including, acute care, long-term care, and community care settings. 85 per cent of the almost 4,500 respondents reported exposure to physical assault and 54 per cent reported high-levels of burnout.

“Before COVID-19, we see there was a dire need for investments in mental health support for nurses who are dedicated to providing care.”—Christine Sorensen, President, BC N urses Union

57 per cent of nurses in acute care reported high-levels of burnout, with 50 per cent above the cutoff point for PTSD, and 31 per cent reporting moderate or severe depression.