Dr. Tamara Kear talks to us about ANNA’s recent research into the mental health and wellbeing of nephrology nurses and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this issue, as well as what workplaces and the nursing industry can do to alleviate this common yet serious problem.
Dr. Tamara Kear is the Executive Director for the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) and a tenured Associate Professor at Villanova University. She was the 2019 National President for the American Nephrology Nurses Association during which time she directed ANNA’s response and actions related to the Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative.
“Workload was the main driver for the anxiety and the feelings of burnout that the nurses were experiencing.”
Question of the Day: What do you do to combat burnout, anxiety and depression in your life?
On This Episode You Will Learn:
American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)
Mental Health and Wellbeing of Nephrology Nurses
COVID- 19 Pandemic Effects
Burnout, Anxiety, and Depression
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Connect with Tamara!
Key Points:
00:00 - Intro with Shireen!
01:28 - Can you talk to us about why you were drawn to work in the field of nephrology nursing and your career journey toward becoming a professor, researcher, and nurse executive?
06:18 - You were involved in ANNA’s recent study about the mental health and wellbeing of nephrology nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. How did the team realize that this was an important area to research at this time?
08:54 - What were the results of this study concerning the general mental health and wellbeing of nurses?
12:23 - What results did you see when factoring in the additional psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic?
13:48 - What did respondents report about the effects of these issues on their work with patients?
15:43 - What can be done in the nursing industry and by workplaces to help alleviate the burnout, anxiety and depression that many nurses are feeling?
19:46 - How can our listeners connect with you and learn more about your work?
21:50 - Outro with Shireen!
