The Lived Experiences of Nurses Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background Previous research on nurses during pandemics has focused on nurses working in one facility or type of unit; this study focuses on nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in a variety of units in different sites across the United States. Objective The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of registered nurses working with hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods This study used a hermeneutic phenomenology design. Semistructured interviews via telephone were conducted and then transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi's method of analysis was used. Data saturation was achieved with 14 participants. Results Three major themes were evident. They were “the human connection,” “the nursing burden,” and “coping.” Subthemes were identified under each major theme. Discussion This study depicted nurses who are caring, empathetic, and resilient. They had many recommendations for fellow nurses, the public, and health care organizations.

The experiences of student nurses in a pandemic: A qualitative study

“…While nurses working on the frontline during the pandemic have demonstrated resilience and effective coping mechanisms, many experienced stress caring for so many critically ill patients at one time ( Robinson and Stinson, 2021 ). Studies have confirmed the potential detrimental mental health effects on nurses, including raised prevalence of anxiety, depression and peritraumatic dissociation, with the pandemic being a significant contributor to burnout ( Azoulay et al, 2020 , Bostan et al, 2020 , García and Calvo, 2021 ).…”

A Qualitative Study on the Care Experience of Emergency Department Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Attention should be paid to the workload and emotional stress caused by the epidemic [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Previous studies have signified that frequent changes in epidemic control policies result in information chaos, and heighten the confusion and burden during nursing operations [ 16 , 19 ]. Medical staff also face discrimination and alienation from other people in their daily lives due to their occupation, which leads to high physical and mental stress [ 15 , 17 , 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Nurses have played an important supporting role during this epidemic, and may require assistance, as they have been working in a difficult environment. Therefore, enhancing and acknowledging the value of nursing cannot be withdrawn after the epidemic crisis ends [ 19 , 24 , 26 ]. Researchers are calling for more nursing staff to participate in COVID-19 epidemic control-related studies and discussions to compile and develop the roles of nurses in epidemic control in response to future public health emergencies [ 15 , 22 , 27 ].…”

Covid-19: The impact on people affected by cancer, oncology nurses and the wider healthcare community

“…Some authors talk about resilience, strength, and determination of cancer nurses to continue to provide care to those with cancer but equally nurses describe compassion fatigue, burnout, and stress. 6 Fundamentally it is the provision of compassionate, person centred care that has shone through. It is now time for some self-compassion to ensure we can deal with the difficult road to recovery in cancer services.…”