It Was Like Going to a Battlefield: Lived Experience of Frontline Nurses Supporting Two Hospitals in Wuhan During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction The literature indicates that pandemics significantly impact the mental health of frontline health workers. While the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of frontline nurses have been studied, their lived experiences remain insufficiently explored. Objective This study aims to investigate the lived experience of nurses who were deployed to support Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study adopted a qualitative study design. A purposive sample of fifteen nurses were recruited from a group of nurses who supported Wuhan during COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected during May and June 2020. Data collection occurred in May and June 2020, employing semistructured interviews conducted via telephone. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was utilized to analyze the collected data by two independent researchers. This report follows the COREQ checklist. Results Frontline nurses supporting Wuhan likened their experience to being on a battlefield. Four superordinate themes emerged: (1) mobilization for combating COVID-19; (2) rapid adaption to a dynamic high-stress environment; (3) navigating psychological distress; and (4) the journey home. Conclusion This study offers comprehensive insights into the lived experience of nurses deployed from other provinces to assist COVID patients in Wuhan. The findings indicate that despite facing a variety of challenges, these frontline nurses were capable of rapid adaptation and successfully fulfilled their roles. Recommendations for future preparedness in public health emergencies are provided. Additionally, follow-up research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of frontline experience on the mental health of the nurses and their family members.