Front-line Experiences and Perspectives of Older and Younger Registered Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Having an experienced and trained healthcare workforce available during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is critical. While all healthcare workers are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older workers are at increased risk of serious or fatal illness. This investigation explores the front-line experiences and perspectives of registered nurses (RNs) at a major New York City medical center during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on two age cohorts: older (50+) and younger (20-49) RNs. An anonymous internet-based survey was sent to all RN’s employed at the center. Data collection was initiated in May 2020, following the initial surge in NYC’s COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths; 1,483 surveys were completed. This investigation found that in comparison to younger RNs (n=1,067), older RNs’ (n=416) psychosocial well-being was significantly better -- fewer depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms (p