Nurse educators’ guilt during the Covid-19 pandemic response

• Pandemic guilt affected nurse educators. • The study explores their role and limitations. • Highlights the need for supportive policies to support their dual role. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted nurse educators, creating a dichotomy between their professional duties and a desire for direct patient care involvement. To explore the emotional effects, particularly guilt, experienced by nurse educators due to their reduced role in frontline patient care during the pandemic, using personal construct theory to frame guilt as a reaction to role deviation. A cross-sectional survey involving 124 nurse educators from across the United States was conducted from March to May 2023. The survey investigated three attributes: Professional Responsibility, Emotional Impact, and Offsetting Activities. The majority of respondents reported significant stress and guilt, exacerbated by the transition to online education, mandated pandemic safety measures, and their inability to contribute directly to patient care. Findings underscore the need for targeted support systems to help nurse educators navigate the professional and emotional challenges posed by the pandemic, highlighting the profound impact of their altered roles on their well-being.