Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidal Ideation Among School Nurses in Prekindergarten through Grade 12 Schools — United States, March 2022
Sarah Merkle, Michael Welton, André van Zyl, Muhling Chong, Andrea Tanner, Charles E. Rose, Marci Hertz, Laura Hill, Zanie Leroy, Katlynn Sifre, Ebony S. Thomas
Abstract
School nurses are integral to creating safe environments in U.S. schools. Many experienced increased work burden and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC collaborated with the National Association of School Nurses and the National Association of State School Nurse Consultants to distribute a 121-item online, anonymous survey to school nurses nationwide during March 7-30, 2022. Among the 7,971 respondents, symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD, and suicidal ideation were measured, and prevalence ratios were used to identify associations with demographics, workplace characteristics, and support. Results found high levels of work-related stressors and indicated that employment characteristics, COVID-19-related job duties, and other workplace stressors and supports affected school nurse mental health. The survey findings underscore the mental health challenges many school nurses experienced during the 2021/2022 school year. The findings can inform supportive policies and practices to reduce workplace stressors and increase workplace supports for school nurses.