The psychological experience of Chinese nurses in support of COVID-19 frontline: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study is to explore the real psychological experience of the frontline support nurses in fight against COVID-19, so as to provide a reference basis for targeted intervention and ensure the mental health of the frontline support nurses. Methods: The objective sampling method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 9 frontline support nurses fighting COVID-19, and the interview contents were analyzed using Colaizzi's 7-step method. Results: The psychological experience of frontline support nurses in fight against COVID-19 can be summarized into four themes: The coexistence of negative psychological experience and positive psychological experience (tension, anxiety, fear, and depression); psychological pressure; many factors that affect the negative psychological experience (the stimulation of the external environment, the care of family members, the guidance of network public opinion); and solid support system (good family support and rich social support). Conclusion: Although frontline support nurses have negative emotions and bear great psychological pressure, they all have a high sense of professional responsibility. Therefore, managers should pay attention to their psychological experience and provide targeted assistance to them.

Keywords

• covid-19
• frontline nurse
• psychological experience
• qualitative research