The Work Experience of Newly Recruited Male Nurses during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose This study was to investigate the work experience of newly recruited male nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods With a phenomenological approach, this qualitative study was adopted semi-structured interviews by phone or video calls. A total of 9 male nurses newly recruited for the COVID-19 wards in Chinese hospitals were interviewed for this study. And Colaizzi's method was applied for evaluation in the data analysis. Results Based on our findings, three themes were extracted. Firstly, the newly recruited male nurses showed negative emotions at the beginning of COVID-19 epidemic, which was caused by changesin working conditions and content, but also prompted the nurses to change the way of coping with the crisis. Secondly, they gradually mastered the working skills and psychological training tocope with COVID-19, and developed a positive attitude towards life and a high sense of professional responsibility. Finally, we learned about their needs to respond to public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion COVID-19 is a disaster for all of humanity. The newly recruited male nurses are an important force in emergency rescue. Although they suffered from short-term negative emotions, they quickly adapted to the crisis. In order to better prepare for future emergencies, the disaster response capacity of newly recruited male nurses needs to be further improved. In addition, newly recruited male nurses have a strong demand for timely and personalized career development guidance.

Resilience among health care workers while working during a pandemic: A systematic review and meta synthesis of qualitative studies

“…Solidarity was noted among colleagues and comradery increased morale; “I felt warm in the team, and everyone was working together to fight against the disease” ( Zhou et al, 2021 ). Peers were a source of emotional support and offered reassurance to one another ( Abu Mansour & Abu Shosha, 2022 ).…”

“…Without hope, how can we live today?” ( Kim & Kim, 2021 ). HCWs reflected upon their “necessary and meaningful” work ( Zhou et al, 2021 ) which was empowering and supported resilience; “the frontline work helps me realise my value of being a nurse. Also, my nursing career will embed something memorable and meaningful” ( Ke et al, 2021 ).…”

Transition of graduate nurses from student to practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: Integrative review

“…The summary of these articles is described in Table 1 according to the following sub-titles: authors and year; country; purpose; type of research approach and design/ methods and findings. Seven studies followed a qualitative approach, namely: Al-Adawi et al, 2021 , Crismon et al, 2021 , García-Martín et al, 2020 , Lancaster et al, 2021 , Naylor et al, 2021 , Sarnkhaowkhom et al,, 2021 ; and Zhou et al (2021) . Two studies utilised a quantitative approach, Chen et al, 2021 , Xu et al, 2021 .…”

“…One study used a mixed method design, Smith et al 2021 . The studies were conducted in different countries, namely: (1) Two were conducted in China ( Xu et al, 2021 , Zhou et al, 2021 ); (2) Four were conducted in USA ( Crismon et al, 2021 , Lancaster et al, 2021 , Naylor et al, 2021 , Smith et al, 2021 ); (3) One study was conducted in Iran ( Al-Adawi et al, 2021 ); (4) One study was conducted in Spain ( García-Martín et al, 2020 ); (5) One was conducted in Asia ( Sarnkhaowkhom et al, 2021 ) and (6) one in Switzerland ( Chen, et al, 2021 ) ( Table 1 ). The articles reviewed revealed the following overarching themes ( Table 4 ): Organisational challenges faced by graduate nurses during transition into practice in the COVID-19 pandemic Personal challenges experienced by graduate nurses in their transition into practice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Positive outcomes resulting from the transition of graduate nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic; Factors which facilitated the transition of graduate nurses from student to practice in the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“… 10. Zhou et al (2021) CHINA To investigate the work experience of newly recruited male nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic. 9 male nurses newly recruited for the Covid-19 wards Qualitative approach; semi- structured interviews by phone or video calls.…”