The Experience of Frontline Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of frontline nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first author conducted two individual audiotaped interviews with 23 qualified staff nurses. All the authors analyzed the professionally transcribed data according t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Western journal of nursing research 2023-04, Vol.45 (4), p.327-334
Main Authors: Phillips, Janice, Alipio, Justine K., Hoskins, Jackie L, Cohen, Marlene Z.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Contagion
COVID-19
Disease control
Fear
Fear & phobias
Humans
Mental Health
Nurses
Occupational stress
Original Research
Pandemics
Public health
Qualitative Research
Staff nurses
Well being
Work environment
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Summary:The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of frontline nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first author conducted two individual audiotaped interviews with 23 qualified staff nurses. All the authors analyzed the professionally transcribed data according to hermeneutic principles. The researchers identified five major themes: (a) we are family; (b) heroes work here; (c) fear of contagion; (d) mental health and well-being; and (e) new reality. Given the uncertainties of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, findings revealed the value of supportive collegial relationships and the need to support the mental health and well-being needs of frontline nurses during the pandemic. Nurses need supportive environments to help ease the challenges associated with serving on the frontline during times of crisis. Findings have implications for future public health preparedness and response efforts.
ISSN:0193-9459
1552-8456
DOI:10.1177/01939459221129944