Beyond PPE: Mental Health Support for Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In various capacities, nurses have experienced first-hand the catastrophic effects of COVID-19. Nurses have not only provided medical support; they have also been the emotional and psychological support for many patients and their families. It is not surprising that this has taken a significant toll on nurses' mental health, many already experiencing the negative effects. As a result, it is not uncommon to see decreased job satisfaction, traumatic stress, burnout, and vicarious trauma amongst the nursing community. In this workshop, we will discuss and explore how traumatic stress, burnout, and vicarious trauma shows up personally and professionally while learning practical tools to manage it. This workshop is interactive so participation is highly encouraged.

About the Facilitator

Joanna Filidor is a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of psychological trauma. She is passionate about helping trauma survivors find healing, build resilience, and cultivate agency and belonging. Joanna is also a supervisor and a clinical consultant for new therapists and EMDR trained therapists. Through this work, Joanna witnessed first-hand the effect of spaces that were not trauma-informed, which laid the foundation for her work as a consultant. Joanna works alongside organizations to create trauma-informed and trauma-responsive organizational frameworks to ensure trauma survivors can receive quality clinical care while feeling safe, supported, and cared for. Joanna has also facilitated workshops, courses, and presentations on trauma treatment and trauma-informed care.