Experiences and perceptions of Turkish intensive care nurses providing care to Covid‐19 patients: A qualitative study

Abstract

To describe the experiences of intensive care nurses who provided care to Covid-19 patients and their perceptions towards the disease and their work conditions during the pandemic. Introduction: Identification of experiences and perceptions of intensive care nurses towards disease, care and their workplace conditions when providing care to Covid-19 patients will inform decision-makers about improvements that can be implemented. Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to increased strain and workplace-related health risks to intensive care nurses, but it has also provided a unique experience and opportunities for learning and development. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 10 intensive care unit nurses working in seven hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. Snowball sampling method was used, and the data were collected by semistructured online interviews. A thematic analysis was performed. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed. Findings: Five major themes were identified: 'death and fear of death' , 'impact on family and social lives' , 'nursing care of Covid-19 patients' , 'changing perceptions of their own profession: empowerment and dissatisfaction' , and 'experiences and perceptions of personal protective equipment and other control measures' . Discussion: Intensive care nurses experience an increased risk of infection and psychological burden, and they lack a sense of professional satisfaction. Improvements to working conditions are needed to support nurses caring for patients during the pandemic. Conclusion:The pandemic increased the workload and responsibilities of intensive care nurses and led to increases in their work-related health risks and challenges with care. However, it also increased nurses' awareness about the importance of their professional roles. Implications for nursing practice and policies:There is a need to improve working conditions and develop nursing standards for the care of Covid-19 patients in intensive care units.

Institutional Constraints as an Obstacle for Prioritizing Nursing Interventions During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Critical Care Nurses’ Experiences

“…No CCN in the present study mentioned the existence of any guidelines to help nurses prioritize their nursing interventions, and this is in line with previous studies ( Bergman et al, 2021 ; Sezgin et al, 2021 ). According to the American Nurses Association ( ANA, 2020 ), CCNs’ decisions must be supported by the systems in which they provide nursing care.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous pressure on ICUs ( Selman et al, 2020 ), and CCNs have had to prioritize between different nursing interventions ( Bergman et al, 2021 ; Sezgin et al, 2021 ). They describe nursing care as suboptimal ( Andersson et al, 2022a ; Bergman et al, 2021 ; Boulton et al, 2021 ; Cadge et al, 2021 ; Maaskant et al, 2021 ) and challenges including working with new colleagues and maintaining existing work relationships, organizational-level obstacles such as lack of staff and limited resources ( Andersson et al, 2022a ; Bergman et al, 2021 ; Cadge et al, 2021 ; Vincent & Creteur, 2020 ) and visiting restrictions for relatives ( Andersson et al, 2022a ; Bergman et al, 2021 ; Boulton et al, 2021 ; Maaskant et al, 2021 ).…”

Moral Distress Experienced by US Nurses on the Frontlines During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Nursing Policy and Practice

“…A recent qualitive study that specifically investigated causes of moral distress among nurses providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified moral distress causes at individual, relational, organizational, and systematic levels of clinical practice ( Silverman et al, 2021 ). Sezgin et al (2021) conducted a descriptive qualitive study among nurses working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify their experiences during this time. Nurses reported increased risk of infection, psychological burden, and lack of professional satisfaction ( Sezgin et al, 2021 ).…”

“… Sezgin et al (2021) conducted a descriptive qualitive study among nurses working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify their experiences during this time. Nurses reported increased risk of infection, psychological burden, and lack of professional satisfaction ( Sezgin et al, 2021 ). The burden nurses shouldered during the COVID-19 global pandemic calls for research to describe and examine the emotional wellbeing of nurses during this unprecedented time in contemporary history.…”

Development and initial validation of the Japanese healthy work environment assessment tool for critical care settings

“…Even then, open-ended communication, especially in leadership, and a supportive work environment could increase resilience in workers during and after the pandemic [ 9 , 10 ]. In addition, by improving the work environment, nurses may be able to maintain a positive outlook even during the temporary crisis of the pandemic [ 11 ].…”