Qualitative exploration of nurses' experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic using the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory: An interpretive descriptive study

Abstract

Aims:To explore nurses' personal, social and professional experiences in COVID-19 emergency departments and intensive care units based on the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory.Design: This study used an interpretive qualitative descriptive design. Methods:Open-ended interviews were conducted between August and November 2020 with 21 nurses using interview questions based on the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory. Data were analysed using steps informed by hermeneutic phenomenology and reported using Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.Findings: Data were grouped under five categories with 10 themes based on the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory: 'antecedents of uncertainty', 'appraisal of uncertainty', 'coping with uncertainty', 'probabilistic thinking' and 'formation of a new life perspective'. Nurses reported that they experienced uncertainty about being infected and infecting others with COVID-19 as well as caring for COVID-19 patients. Despite the uncertainties related to COVID-19, nurses were determined to focus on caring for COVID-19 patients by prioritizing their professional identity and responsibilities. They described feeling motivated by patients' positive feedback, which also increased their professional satisfaction. They realized that caring was therapeutic not only for their patients, but also for them. They experienced empowerment in the care team through active reuse of their prior knowledge and experience and expanded decision-making roles. They also emphasized that they perceived the COVID-19 pandemic as a unique experience for their individual and professional growth. Conclusion:Nurses experienced multiple sources of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. To manage uncertainty, they used strategies including focusing on patient care and satisfaction. Additionally, they made sense of their experience by acknowledging individual and professional growth.

Reflections on nursing research focusing on the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…The pandemic has had deleterious effects on nursing staff and been associated with uncertainty (Turgut et al, 2022 ), fear and emotional exhaustion (Sarabia‐Cobo et al, 2021 ), psychological distress (Hamama et al, 2021 ) and burnout (Galanis et al, 2021 ; Manzano García & Ayala Calvo, 2021 ) in nurses. We have gained insights into the moral distress experienced by hospital nurses during the pandemic, and know that the causes of the distress were varied and included issues with availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), concerns about transmission of infection from work to home and providing care to patients dying alone (Foli et al, 2021 ; Lake et al, 2022 ; McCallum et al, 2021 ).…”

Uncertainties experienced by nursing professionals who contracted Covid-19: a priori, everyone is human

“…A qualitative study with 21 nurses who worked in the emergency or intensive care unit of a hospital in Turkey during the pandemic showed that despite experiencing multiple sources of uncertainty, these professionals focused on patient care and satisfaction as a way to manage uncertainty and give meaning to their experience, recognizing their personal and professional growth throughout the process ( 14 ) .…”

“…Sobre este aspecto, um estudo qualitativo com 21 enfermeiros que trabalharam na unidade de emergência ou terapia intensiva em um hospital da Turquia durante a pandemia evidenciou que, apesar das múltiplas fontes de incerteza vivenciadas pelos participantes, estes profissionais procuraram focar no cuidado ao paciente e na satisfação como forma de gerenciar a incerteza e conferir sentido à sua experiência, reconhecendo inclusive seu crescimento pessoal e profissional durante todo o processo ( 14 ) .…”

Nursing Care Applied to a Patient Diagnosed with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss According to Merley Mishel's Uncertainty Theory

“…Yapı sağlayıcılar ise yaşanılan belirsizliği olumlu ya da olumsuz etkileyebilen, sağlık profesyonelleri, aile ve arkadaş gibi sosyal çevreler olarak belirtilmektedir. 13,14 BELiRSizLiğiN DEğERLENDiRiLMESi…”