Exploring the experiences of frontline nurses during the first 6 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic: An integrated literature review

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of frontline nurses caring for patients during the first 6 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Design The JBI manual for evidence synthesis and the PRISMA guidelines for reporting. Data sources CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Scopus (Elsevier). Review Methods The JBI Mixed Methods Data Extraction Tool following a Convergent Integrated Approach. Results Nineteen studies were included in the review, comprising eight countries and 2525 frontline nurses. Six themes emerged encompassing frontline nurses' COVID‐19 experiences including emotional experiences, physical symptoms, ethical and moral challenges, professional impact, risk factors for negative emotional experiences and protective factors for future pandemic events. Conclusion Frontline nurses have faced numerous challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Providing frontline nurses with the required resources and support to perform their roles in global healthcare crises allows for an empowered and resilient workforce ensuring nurses remain in their chosen profession.

The Effects of the Ward Environment and Language in Palliative Care: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Victorian Nurses’ Perspectives

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“… 10 Findings suggested that the frontline nurse population have experienced fear for their own safety and that of their loved ones, ethical and moral challenges in the face of prioritizing resources, injuries from the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE), and negative effects of physical and mental exhaustion as a direct result of the pandemic. 10 Within a year of COVID-19 onset, emergency nurses expressed greater intent to leave the profession within 5 years. 11 Typically, the emergency department is renowned for high and complex workloads within a very dynamic environment, all exacerbated in the face of the pandemic and creating a tipping point for many nurses who sought to leave the profession.…”