Experiences of Nurses during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Nepal

Abstract

Introduction:

COVID-19 disease is known to expand very rapidly; thus, it has been extremely challenging for the healthcare providers to deal with. Identification of the nurses’ experiences with regards to their personal, work and social situations and timely addressing of their concerns is crucial for the betterment of the health care. The objective of this study is to explore the experiences of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted for the study. An in-depth interview was carried out for data collection by adhering to interview guidelines. Colaizzi’s analysis method was used to analyse the data. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were used for study rigour.

Results:

The findings of the study explored the work, family, society and emotional experiences of the nurses. They experienced a huge workload and terrible death due to the unavailability of oxygen, beds, ICU and ventilators.  Nurses experienced fear and anxiety about the transmission of COVID-19 to their families. They felt fear of disclosing the working area and positive status as well as restrictions on gathering. Despite discrimination in society, family support and public appreciation helped them to gain self-esteem, social respect and recognition.

Conclusion

This study concludes that nurses experienced physical, emotional and social problems due to inadequate resources, support and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, adequate preparation of the health facilities to combat such pandemic situations, including social awareness programmes for the support of nurses, is crucial.

Keywords:

COVID-19 pandemic, Family and Social experience, Personal and Emotional experience, Work related experience