Addressing mental and emotional health concerns experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Nurses are the majority of the world's health work force and the frontline responders during pandemics. The mental/emotional toll can be pro-found if it is not identified and treated. Purpose: In March 2020, with New York City as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pan-demic in the United States, Columbia University School of Nursing organized sup-port circles for faculty and students providing clinical care as a healing method to address trauma. Methods: Columbia University School of Nursing adapted guidelines and con-ducted Circles of Care to share, listen, and acknowledge the new challenges for nurses via Zoom. Analysis of these sessions produced major themes of concern for nurses. Findings: Between March 31 and May 31, 2020, we facilitated 77 sessions with 636 attendees. Eight major themes emerged: coping mechanisms, patients suffering and dying, feelings of helplessness, frustration with COVID-19 response, silver lining, dis-connection from the world, the thread that holds nurses together, and exhaustion. Discussion: This report offers insight into the mental/emotional outcomes of being on the frontlines. Addressing these issues is essential for the well-being of nurses and all health care providers for an effective pandemic response.