ABSTRACT Introduction: Nurse turnover has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurse refusal of mandated vaccines contributes to understaffing and affects patient health outcomes. The purposes of this study were to describe (1) nurse reasons for COVID-19 vaccine decisions and (2) the relationship between vaccine status and nurse characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study employed a survey of US nurses who worked in nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey included a free-text question about COVID-19 vaccine uptake rationale, self-reported vaccine acceptance/refusal, and demographic data. Results: Of the 1682 participants, 11.2% refused the COVID-19 vaccine. Higher education level was correlated with greater vaccine acceptance rates (P < 0.001). Themes for vaccine rationale included safeguarding well-being, trust in the science, coercion to vaccinate, perceived immunity, and concern about preexisting health conditions. Conclusions: The risks of COVID-19 vaccine mandates may be greater than the potential benefits given the potential for compounding workforce attrition during a nursing staffing crisis. Further research is needed to outline the relationships between vaccine education, advocacy, and vaccine uptake among nurses.
- Provider:University of Wisconsin-Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership
- Activity Link: https://ce.icep.wisc.edu/node/49018
- Start Date: 2024-08-23 05:00:00
- End Date: 2024-08-23 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AAPA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Journal-based CE
- CME Finder Type: Other
- Fee to Participate: No, it's free
- Measured Outcome: Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Jointly Provided
- Registration: Open to all