Navigating challenges: insights into nurses’ experiences of caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic placed considerable stress on the global nursing workforce. Increasing nurses’ readiness to respond to future threats is a public health priority. As such, exploring nurses’ experiences as providers during the COVID-19 epidemic has important implications for developing interventions that assist in managing caregiving obstacles and stressors, thus increasing future readiness. This study aims to describe the stressors and obstacles related to providing nursing care for people with COVID-19 and to reveal the strategies used to overcome these barriers. Methods This descriptive qualitative research employed purposive sampling, including N=31 nurses with experience caring for individuals with COVID-19-related conditions. In-depth semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were used. The study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Results Participants (N=31) reported primarily middle-aged adults (Mean age=32.81 years) who were female (87.1%) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree (80%). More than 50% had experience in nursing care of more than ten years. All had more than six months of experience caring for persons with COVID-19. Five main themes were identified that characterized the study participants’ experiences: (a) Level of stress, (b) Factors contributing to stress, (c) Changing professional needs, (d) Adaptation to work, and (e) Resiliency/coping. Conclusions Nurses experienced significant stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific factors contributing to elevated stress and inability to perform nursing roles were discussed. Institutional planning and resources are needed to prepare for and ensure the practical, social, and emotional support for professional nurses and their families for future public health crises.