Comparison of Alabama Nurse Experiences Between Practice Areas During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic.

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Alabama nurses’ work experiences and self-care across different practice areas during 2020 and 2021, using data from the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) surveys. Findings indicate that by 2021, nurses reported increased perceptions of nursing shortages, heavier emergency department workloads, and a greater need for retired and new graduate nurses, alongside decreased ability to engage in self-care and lower satisfaction with federal crisis management. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses experienced the most severe staffing shortages and the lowest self-care engagement. The study highlights the importance of applying the Total Worker Health® framework—which integrates workplace safety culture and well-being—to develop targeted interventions that support nurses’ health, particularly in acute and intensive care settings.