The Cost of Caring During COVID-19: A Clarion Call to Action to Support the Pediatric Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce.

INTRODUCTION: This study reexamined the holistic impacts of COVID-19 on the pediatric advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) workforce two years after the 2020 assessment.

METHOD: This cross-sectional descriptive study used a convenience sample of pediatric APRNs affiliated with the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). A modified NAPNAP survey explored numerous impacts of COVID-19 on the pediatric APRN workforce.

RESULTS: Study participants (n = 1,087) reported widespread pandemic impacts across personal and professional domains. Alarmingly, 87% reported professional burnout, and 80% expressed concern over their overall mental health. The impacts of the pandemic on child health are ominous, with 94% of participants reporting pediatric mental health concerns, a devastating increase from the previous study.

DISCUSSION: The pediatric APRN workforce is in crisis amid a national pediatric mental health emergency. Multilevel interventions are critically emergent to sustain the APRN workforce and promote the health and well-being of children and families.