Well-Being of Israeli Nurse Practitioners During Times of Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: For healthcare workers, good work-related well-being positively affects enthusiasm, efficiency, and job satisfaction. Conversely, poor well-being is associated with burnout and negative patient outcomes. During times of crises, it is difficult to balance professional responsibilities with well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the degree of well-being among nurse practitioners in Israel who worked in COVID-19 units or allied units during the delta wave. METHODS: This was a web-based, cross-sectional study. Nurse practitioners who worked within the COVID-19 units in Israeli hospitals were asked to complete several questionnaires: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression. RESULTS: Forty-nine nurse practitioners participated in the survey. Scores from the Subjective Happiness Scale and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form indicate that most nurses have relatively positive mental health. Conversely, scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies indicated that participants are at risk for clinical depression. There was a positive moderate association between the number of years worked as a nurse practitioner and depression and a moderate negative association between the number of years worked as a nurse practitioner and happiness. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding how nurses’ mental health is impacted during crises can provide healthcare systems with tools to prevent negative outcomes. This, in turn, may contribute to a lower burnout rate, higher satisfaction from work, and better patient outcomes.