“Knowing when it's time to take a break”: Nursing home social workers’ coping during COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Nursing home (NH) social workers face many challenges in meeting the psychosocial needs of residents while balancing their own well-being needs. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional survey of NH social workers via social media and professional networks about their coping strategies during COVID-19. Open-ended responses were analyzed qualitatively using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique (RADaR). RESULTS: The study included a sample of 63 (N = 63) NH social workers. Four themes defined ways the in which NH social workers coped with stress during COVID-19, including relying on friends and family, mindfulness and spirituality/religion, self-care strategies, and setting boundaries at work. CONCLUSION: These techniques appear to be effective; however there remains a need for institutional programs and policies to provide the time and space to holistically support coping in NH social workers and to prevent burnout and turnover, particularly during times of crisis.