Experiences of Nurses Caring of patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Nurses are at the forefront of dealing with patients and providing them with many services during Covid-19 pandemic and the most work stress is directed to this high-risk group. Aim: The current study aims to investigate nurses who have experienced COVID-19 patient care. Method: Eighteen participants were purposefully selected and participated into this qualitative study by using a conventional content analysis method. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Participants included Nurses working in the Covid-19 wards of educational hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences where considered as hospitalization center for these patients. Purposive sampling continued from 25 June to 9 September of 2020 until the data were completed. The data were analyzed based on Graneheim and Landman’s approach by MAXQDA 10 software. Results: The results of the data had two categories, Organizational Structure Challenges with five subcategories (high workload, deficiency in management, lack of facilities and equipment, irregularity and financial motivation) and care difficulty with four subcategories (psychological concern, recovery and treatment, insufficient care training programs and personal self-protection). Implications for Practice: Considering the position of nursing and expressing their views on the care of patients with Covid-19 can be an important step to improve the management care in these conditions.

Keywords

• nursing care
• pandemic
• qualitative study