Exploring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of Black and Latinx nurses in California

Research Updates

Updated January 2025
We surveyed 378 Black and Latinx nurses in California and interviewed a portion of them to explore how the pandemic affected their mental health, coping strategies and recommendations for supporting nurses. Nurses had high levels of stress, particularly among male nurses and those who experienced racial microaggressions. Fear of COVID-19 infection, social unrest due to police brutality, and racial health disparities were significant sources of stress. Burnout was also a significant issue, with female nurses and those over 50 experiencing higher levels. Physical and verbal abuse from patients, often fueled by racism, contributed to burnout. Nurses turned to mindfulness practices, exercise, spirituality and family support, but some resorted to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating and excessive alcohol consumption. Support recommendations included provision of mental health services and resources, supportive management, adequate supplies and training and income protection. The study underscores the necessity of implementing effective interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts of the pandemic on nurses' mental health.

Proposed Research and Background

Our study explores the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Black and Latinx nurses in California. Black and Latinx nurses are disparately impacted by COVID-19 due to their vulnerability as Black and Latinx Californians, as well as their role in care provision in primary and emergent care settings. Nurses, overwhelmingly women, have borne the brunt of the pandemic in California, and nationally. Due to the layered vulnerabilities based on race, gender, and profession, they are at heightened risk of negative mental health outcomes.

This study seeks to systematically and comprehensively measure stress, burnout, as well as their coping and resilience strategies. Specifically, we will provide missing data to quantify the experiences of nurses and identify intervention, policy needs, and support for key resiliency and coping strategies. Addressing these needs is of paramount importance both for preparedness for future pandemics and to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse and aging population. Black and Latinx nurses are central to providing culturally competent and racially concordant care—all known factors to positively impact care outcomes for this community.