• Megha Shah, Marie Roggenkamp, Lyndsay Ferrer, Valerie Burger, and Kelly J Brassil.
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Cancer Center.
• Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2021 Feb 1; 25 (1): 69-75.

BackgroundThe risk of psychological effects from the COVID-19 pandemic is significant and manifests as stress, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and, in some cases, suicide. The need for psychological support services for healthcare providers should be included in all pandemic and disaster planning.ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to explore the potential psychological sequelae of nursing during a pandemic and to provide recommendations to support a psychologically healthy work environment.MethodsHighlights from the literature on psychological sequelae, symptoms, and outcomes related to COVID-19 and prior pandemics is presented, along with insight from the experiences of oncology nurses caring for patients with COVID-19.FindingsDestigmatizing mental health needs for healthcare providers empowers them to seek support. Hospital administrators must develop proactive wellness plans for the triage and management of mental and emotional health needs during a pandemic that prioritize transparent communication, resources for healthcare providers within and beyond the clinical setting, and training.

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