Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Resilience and Mental Well-being in Day Reliever Pool Nurses in Malta

<ns3:p>This study investigated the challenges faced by day reliever pool nurses at Mater Dei during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their resilience and mental well-being. The study sought to identify the specific stressors encountered by these nurses, explore the coping mechanisms they employed, and propose strategies for future preparedness in similar crises. The research objectives were to examine the factors that supported and hindered the nurses during the pandemic and develop actionable recommendations to improve their mental well-being in future pandemics. An inductive qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with ten-day reliever pool nurses. Thematic analysis of the data yielded five main themes, which underscored the pandemic’s significant emotional and psychological impact on the participants. Key findings include the identification of severe stressors, such as increased workloads, staff shortages, and the emotional toll of working in a high-risk, highly unpredictable environment. The study also highlighted the critical role of organisational support, effective leadership communication, and strong teamwork in helping nurses cope with these challenges. The research underscores the necessity for healthcare organisations to implement comprehensive support incorporated with mental health resources, continuous professional development and training, and clear policies tailored to the needs of nurses during crises. Practical implications suggest that targeted interventions should be developed to enhance the mental well-being of nurses.</ns3:p>