Professional Pride During COVID-19 in a Cohort of Healthcare Workers

We aimed to identify circumstances associated with feelings of pride in healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A prospective cohort of Canadian HCWs reported pride-reinforcing events in April 2020 (Phase 1). In spring/summer 2022 (Phase 4), they completed a self-reported retrospective comparison rating of whether they ‘now feel more [professional] pride than before the pandemic’. Among 4964 HCWs, 4360 (88%) described pride-reinforcing events in Phase 1; 3926 (79%) rated feeling more professional pride than before the pandemic in Phase 4. Teamwork (34%) and public appreciation (13%) were most cited in Phase 1. At Phase 4, male and older HCWs and community-based staff reported feeling more pride. Working as a physician, in hospital, with COVID-19 patients, and early anxiety/depression were associated with lower pride. Higher ratings were associated with greater organizational support. Many HCWs reported feeling more professional pride than before the pandemic. External support may help mitigate negative feelings.