Explaining the challenges and adaptation strategies of nurses in caring for patients with COVID-19: a qualitative study in Iran

Abstract

Background Nurses, as the primary human resource in the fight against COVID-19, encounter several obstacles and concerns. As a result, the current study used a qualitative method to describe the problems and adaptation techniques of nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. Methods The current study used a qualitative conventional content analysis technique with 30 nurses working in COVID-19 wards in Tehran hospitals. Purposive sampling, snowball sampling, and semi-structured interviews were used to get access to participants and gather data. The data was examined using conventional qualitative content analysis and the MAXQDA-18 program. To assess the quality of study findings, Guba and Lincoln’s trustworthiness criteria were fulfilled. Results The data analysis revealed two main categories and sixteen subcategories: (1) experiences and challenges (lack of protective equipment, high work pressure, marginalized physical health, problems related to the use of protective equipment, being excluded, a lack of a supportive work environment, problems related to patients, psychological problems, fear, marginalized personal and family life, and the challenge of communicating with patients’ families); and (2) adaptation strategies for work conditions (performing religious-spiritual activities, creating an empathetic atmosphere in the workplace, spiritualizing their work, trying to convince the family and gaining their support, and strengthening their sense of self-worth and responsibility). Conclusion Nurses’ working conditions can be improved by providing adequate protective equipment, a suitable work environment, and more social and financial support; paying more attention to nurses’ physical and mental health; and considering appropriate communication mechanisms for nurses to communicate with their families and patients’ families.

Relationship between Transition Shock, Professional Stressors, and Intent to Leave the Nursing Profession during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Further, contrary to the results of the studies from Bangladesh [ 3 , 8 ], in our study, older female respondents experienced a higher level of personal COVID-19 stressors, which is probably the result of caring for their family. Similar results were reported in a qualitive study from Iran [ 33 ]. Nurses who worked with COVID-19 patients felt fear regarding transmitting the virus to family members, and were usually distant from them [ 33 ], which could increase the level of personal stress.…”

“…Similar results were reported in a qualitive study from Iran [ 33 ]. Nurses who worked with COVID-19 patients felt fear regarding transmitting the virus to family members, and were usually distant from them [ 33 ], which could increase the level of personal stress. Similar results were recorded with German healthcare workers, who also expressed an increased level of stress and concern for their future and their families, as well as an increase in their subjective burden [ 31 ].…”

“…A more pronounced experience of personal and professional COVID-19 stressors resulted in a higher level of transition shock and vice versa. The results of other studies also point to the connection between stress and transition shock [ 10 , 18 , 33 ]. As Lina and Setiawan state, transition or culture shock is a set of confused or uncertain emotions experienced by an individual in an unfamiliar environment [ 42 ].…”

Relationship of COVID-19 Anxiety With Depression, Stress, and Anxiety Among Administrative Staff and Nurses in a Referral Hospital for Corona

“…In fact, nurses could adapt psychologically to the situation after gradual learning and gaining experience. 31 In addition, the cause of more psychological damage for COVID-19 health workers can be changes in working conditions, feelings of loss and vulnerability, frequent and close contact with ill patients, and high workload. 30,32 Further, due to the lack of assessment of mental health status in the administrative staff of the hospital, it was not possible to compare the results with other studies.…”

Impact of social and cultural factors on incidence, transmission and control of Coronavirus disease in Iran: a qualitative study

“…Ample studies have been implemented on the role of social, economic and cultural factors in the incidence of infectious diseases in various parts of the world [ 11 – 16 ]. Concurrent with the coronavirus epidemic, considerable studies have been conducted in the domain of social issues given to the effect of this disease on population health.…”