Wake-up call: paediatric cardiac intensive care nurse and advanced practice provider well-being and intent to vacate.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess Well-Being Index scores in paediatric cardiac ICU (PCICU) registered nurses and advanced practice providers. Secondary objectives included identifying factors correlating with at-risk Well-Being Index scores and exploring predictors of these scores, with attention to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A multicentre electronic survey was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. Registered nurses and advanced practice providers working in PCICUs at US centres participating in the Collaborative Research from the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society were included.The survey included the nine-item Well-Being Index and questions about demographics and factors influencing well-being, such as coronavirus disease 2019. The Well-Being Index is a validated tool to predict workforce distress and well-being. Out of 218 participants (180 registered nurses, 38 advanced practice providers), 137 registered nurses (76%) and 15 advanced practice providers (39%) had at-risk Well-Being Index scores. A total of 61% of nurses and 34% of advanced practice providers reported an intent to leave. Intent to leave was significantly linked to lower well-being for registered nurses (p = 0.002). Leadership support reduced registered nurses' distress risk by 68% compared to no support (p = 0.04). Increased stress since coronavirus disease 2019 raised registered nurses' poor well-being risk by four times (p = 0.001). PCICU registered nurses and advanced practice providers are at risk for poor well-being, exacerbated by the pandemic. Those with poor well-being may be more likely to leave. Leadership support is vital for nurses' well-being. Further research is needed to establish baseline well-being.