In the high-pressure environment of hospital wards, nurses are often pushed to their limits. But for pregnant nurses, the stakes are even higher. Despite the risks, they continue to perform their duties, driven by a sense of duty and care for their patients.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Pregnant Nurses
Jessica Rainbow, an associate professor at the College of Nursing, and Leslie Farland, an associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, have been delving into the experiences of pregnant nurses working in hospitals. They discovered that many nurses, despite knowing the potential harm, continue to handle cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs that could be harmful for pregnancy. The emotional burden of caring for patients experiencing miscarriages and stillbirths, along with threats from patients, adds to their stress.
A New Study to Address Work Challenges
Thanks to a $2.4 million grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Rainbow and Farland, alongside their colleagues at the University of Arizona, are launching a study to follow 250 nurses from their first trimester of pregnancy to delivery. The study aims to explore how the demands of nursing affect their stress and health and seeks solutions for a safer work environment.
Participants will use health-tracking rings, monitor their blood pressure bi-weekly, and complete daily surveys about their stress levels and work experiences. Six weeks postpartum, researchers will review medical records and conduct follow-up interviews, aiming to redesign work systems for improved safety during pregnancy.
The Impact of Job Demands on Health
“Our hypothesis is that when there’s an imbalance of job demands and job resources, that contributes to strain that leads to stress,” Rainbow explained. “And we know that stress is linked to negative cardiovascular as well as mental health consequences.”
Rainbow and Farland’s collaboration dates back to their participation in the Udall Center/BIO5 Faculty Fellows program in 2024-2025, which allowed them to focus on nurse health during pregnancy. Their journey began with a $20,000 pilot grant in 2019, which evolved into the current comprehensive study.
Aiming for Safer Work Environments
With 5.2 million registered nurses in the U.S., most of whom work in hospitals, understanding workplace hazards is crucial. Farland highlighted the lack of research on various exposures aside from shift work. Unexpected hazards include contact with cleaning chemicals and PFAS, in addition to physical and mental demands.
The researchers aim to identify the most severe stressors and propose solutions to enhance safety. Guidance for pregnant nurses is scarce, leaving many without clear instructions from employers or healthcare providers. Rainbow suggests practical solutions such as redistributing patients or identifying medications to avoid.
“Nurses are amazing, right?” Rainbow remarked. “They always think about their patients, and they’re really concerned about them. And when they’re pregnant, they’re also worried about their pregnancy. We’re always going to have nurses who are pregnant, and that’s wonderful. I just think we can make the work environment safer for them during their pregnancies.”
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