Nurses on the Front Line: Experiences of Nurses Caring for Patients with COVID-19 in Field Hospitals

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The Jordanian health system was overwhelmed in the early phases of the 2019 by coronavirus pandemic, primarily due to the lack of workers, and the breakdown of several medical centers. Healthcare workers suffered tremendous physical and mental pressure due to this unprecedented situation. Methods: A qualitative phenomenology research aimed to explore the experiences of nurses in field hospitals in Jordan caring for COVID-19 patients. Intentional and snowballing sampling method was conducted on twenty nurses from May to June 2022. Results: The study generated four main themes and ten sub-themes, (1) Sense of obligation and pride, (2) Stress, (3) Personal development, (4) Feeling of helplessness and betrayal. All demonstrated the physical, emotional, and mental changes of nurses after caring for patients with severe illness from COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings of the study acknowledged the participants’ willingness to enrich their knowledge and expand their work expertise by being part of this experience. The analysis of the themes and subthemes also shown that nurses experience stress, anxiety, depression and other psychological and mental challenges. Therefore, healthcare leaders should consider resolving those needs and challenges. Implication for nursing: Healthcare policymakers and leaders in the health sector should consider implementing programs that support nurses' well-being and productivity in a crisis. Additional pay allowance should be considered to compensate for the dangerous time nurses spend in special situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

• qualitative research
• covid-19
• nurses
• public health field hospitals