The Beat Goes On: Emergency Nurses’ Song of Resilience

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency nurses have been on the frontlines. Not only were emergency nurses caring for patients with physical symptoms, they were also confronted by anxiety, depression, stress, and uncertainty in patients, peers, and themselves. Even as nurses cared for patients seeking their help, they were dealing with their own struggles as members of the larger community and the organization. The purpose of this study was to examine emergency nurses’ resiliency and to provide nurse leaders a different lens for viewing resilience. Five interconnected elements surfaced through direct observations with live environmental music therapy, focus groups, and essays with emergency room nurses. Fostering the elements of emergency nurses’ song of resilience: harmony, melody, rhythm, silence/rest, and beingness may enhance individual, team, and organizational performance. Nurse leaders can support resiliency and promote healthy work environments by perceiving resilience creatively and through reflection.