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Hinderer KA, Klima DW, Kellogg MB, Morello C, Myers K, Wentland BA. Our New Normal: Pediatric Nurse Residents' Experiences with Transition to Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1159. [PMID: 38921274 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This phenomenological qualitative study examined the lived experience of pediatric nurse residents' transition to practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purposive sample included nine pediatric nurses, participating in a nurse residency program, who entered the nursing profession during the first year of the pandemic. The setting was a free-standing, Magnet-recognized, pediatric academic medical center in the Northeastern U.S. Individual interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Narratives were analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Five themes emerged from the data: Our New Normal; The Rules Keep Changing; I'm Not Ready for This (transition to practice); The Toll of COVID; and Shattered Family-Centered Care. Sub-themes emerged in The Toll of COVID theme: COVID and the Nursing Care Environment, Emotional Toll of COVID, Burnout: A Universal Truth, and The Pandemic within the Pandemic. The nurse residents' narratives uncovered the essence of their uncertainty, sorrow, growth, and resilience. Through the eyes of pediatric nurse residents, this study illuminated the experiences of these novices as they entered the nursing profession amid a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Hinderer
- Institute for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Dennis W Klima
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA
| | - Marni B Kellogg
- Shriners Children's, Corporate Headquarters, Tampa, FL 33607, USA
| | - Cecelia Morello
- Departments of Psychology and Public Policy & Law, Trinity College, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Karen Myers
- College of Nursing, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
| | - Beth A Wentland
- Institute for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
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Stephenson P, Warner-Stidham A. Nurse Reports of Moral Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608231226095. [PMID: 38222264 PMCID: PMC10785717 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231226095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 was devastating for many frontline nurses embroiled in health care's response. Most media outlets reported from several large metropolitan areas in New York, California, and Florida, leaving other regions to wonder about the extent to which their nurses were suffering. Objective The purpose of this article was to understand the specific needs and experiences of Northeast Ohio nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 before designing interventions targeting negative mental outcomes. Methods This phenomenological study interviewed 16 Northeast Ohio nurses to understand their experiences of caring for patients with COVID-19. Results Although not asked about it directly, the participants' stories consistently included details that could be linked to moral distress. Two themes describing their lived experiences included "acquiring moral distress" and "living with moral distress." Additional findings are also reported separately because although they do not represent the lived experience of COVID-19 nursing, they did represent significant concerns that participants had for the future and are reported here to assist other researchers with the intervention design. Furthermore, these participants thought that participation in support groups with other nurses who cared for COVID-19 patients and possibly led by mental health advanced practice nurses offered the best intervention to process their trauma from the pandemic. Conclusions The long-term effects of moral distress have been discussed routinely in recent literature and are further complicated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Threats to the shrinking workforce of nurses must be taken seriously and interventions to improve the mental health and morale of frontline nurses must be prioritized and tested.
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Broujeni RB, Kamalzadeh H, Ahmadi Z, Abedini S. Through the eyes of nurses: a content analysis of nurses' experiences in caring for COVID-19 patients. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:431. [PMID: 37968637 PMCID: PMC10647166 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the current global climate, the nursing staff has placed a significant emphasis on developing effective self-protection strategies and implementing measures to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, with a particular focus on the highly communicable COVID-19 virus. Ensuring the safety and well-being of both healthcare providers and patients has made it imperative to incorporate this aspect into healthcare provision. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to describe the experiences of nurses in providing care for patients infected with COVID-19. METHODOLOGY This qualitative content analysis study, following COREQ guidelines, involved 18 nurses who were taking care of COVID-19 patients at Shahid Mohamadi Hospital, a general hospital in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province. The hospital is affiliated with Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences and the research was conducted in 2022.The sampling method was purposive, and unstructured interviews were used. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed continuously and concurrently through the collection of data using conventional content analysis methods. FINDINGS The qualitative analysis of the data revealed three main themes centered on challenges related to nurses' self-care, patient care, and the healthcare delivery system. CONCLUSION Overall, to address the challenges faced by healthcare providers caring for COVID-19 patients, their needs must be prioritized. This includes establishing a prepared healthcare system, implementing strategies to protect their well-being, and learning from their experiences for future disease outbreaks and disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Beigi Broujeni
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mother and Child Welfare Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Science, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Hesamaddin Kamalzadeh
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Zakieh Ahmadi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hormozgan University of Medical Science, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Samireh Abedini
- Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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Azizi TH, Begjani J, Arman A, Hoseini ASS. The concept analysis of helplessness in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A hybrid model. Nurs Open 2023; 10:6782-6793. [PMID: 37475516 PMCID: PMC10495716 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM 'Helplessness' is one of the psychological concepts that exploring nurses' helplessness during the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to timely intervention and empowerment of nurses. DESIGN Concept development. METHODS It was carried out using Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model. RESULTS In the literature review, helplessness is characterized by anxiety symptoms (muscle tension, headache, anorexia and insomnia) and, to some extent, depression (loneliness, guilt, apathy and insensitivity). In the fieldwork, five categories were obtained, including antecedents of helplessness (the nature of the disease, professional responsibility, personal lifestyle disruption and social behaviours), attributes of helplessness (inability to do more for the patient, inability to control the situation, feeling of uselessness, frustration, giving up and uncertainty to continue), consequences of helplessness (increase clinical error, physical manifestations and psychological manifestations), strategies to reduce feelings of helplessness and the difference among helplessness, powerlessness and hopelessness. CONCLUSION Nurses' helplessness occurs when the nurse has no control over the situation and cannot change it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Hoseini Azizi
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyTehran University of Medical sciencesTehranIran
| | - Jamalodin Begjani
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Alireza Arman
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyTehran University of Medical sciencesTehranIran
| | - Akram Sadat Sadat Hoseini
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyTehran University of Medical Sciences: The member of research centre of Quran, Hadith and Medicine of Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Bandini JI, Ahluwalia SC, Timmins G, Bialas A, Meredith L, Gidengil C. "It Haunts Me": Impact of COVID-19 Deaths on Frontline Clinicians In Acute Care Settings-A Qualitative Study. Am J Crit Care 2023; 32:368-374. [PMID: 37652873 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2023257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented conditions for clinicians providing end-of-life care in acute care settings, yet almost 2 years since the start of the pandemic, little is known about its impact on clinicians. OBJECTIVES To qualitatively explore how clinicians experienced their role as they cared for dying patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic and the impact of these experiences on their lives as health care professionals. METHODS In-depth, hour-long interviews were conducted by phone in the spring of 2022 at a single time point with 23 physicians and nurses in critical care and emergency department settings from 2 health systems in California. The goal was to elicit perspectives on experiences with end-of-life care and the long-term impact of these experiences. Clinicians were asked to reflect on the different stages of the pandemic, and interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS The interviews highlighted 2 primary themes around provision of end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, clinicians described challenges around their clinical duties of providing care to dying patients, which included decision-making dilemmas and professionalism challenges. Second, clinicians described the emotional aspects around end-of-life care situations they experienced, including communication with family members, "being patients' family members" at the end of life, and various degrees of meaning-making and remembrance of these experiences. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the sustained and cumulative emotional challenges and burden clinicians are still shouldering more than 2 years after the start of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia I Bandini
- Julia I. Bandini is a behavioral/social scientist, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sangeeta C Ahluwalia
- Sangeeta C. Ahluwalia is a senior policy researcher, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - George Timmins
- George Timmins is a PhD student, Pardee RAND Graduate School and an assistant policy researcher at RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Armenda Bialas
- Armenda Bialas is a research assistant, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lisa Meredith
- Lisa Meredith is a senior behavioral scientist, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Courtney Gidengil
- Courtney Gidengil is a senior physician policy researcher, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts
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Landreth S, Pridgeon S, Ge B, Craig K, Scott SD. Navigating the Storm: Documenting the Experience of Inpatient Registered Nurses Amid the COVID Pandemic-Palliative Care Team Insights. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:129-136. [PMID: 36971763 PMCID: PMC10171095 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Nominal research illustrates the lived experience of intensive care unit registered nurses during the COVID pandemic. Palliative care team leaders and nurse researchers designed this cross-sectional study to discover opportunities for palliative care team members to enhance the experience of nurses who cared for critically ill patients during this challenging time. The study aimed to compare the effect of caring for patients in COVID versus non-COVID units. Surveys were distributed after the area's initial COVID patient influx. Questions included general demographics, the Professional Quality of Life survey instrument (measuring compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress), and open-ended questions to identify protective factors and unique challenges. Across 5 care settings with 311 nurses eligible for the study in total, 90 completed the survey. The population consisted of COVID-designated unit nurses (n = 48, 53.33%) and non-COVID unit nurses (n = 42, 46.67%). Analysis between COVID-designated and non-COVID units revealed significantly lower mean compassion scores and significantly higher burnout and stress scores among those working within COVID-designated units. Despite higher levels of burnout and stress and lower levels of compassion, nurses identified protective factors that improved coping and described challenges they encountered. Palliative care clinicians used insights to design interventions to mitigate identified challenges and stressors.
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Rangel TL, Saul T, Bindler R, Roney JK, Penders RA, Faulkner R, Miller L, Sperry M, James L, Wilson ML. Exercise, diet, and sleep habits of nurses working full-time during the COVID-19 pandemic: An observational study. Appl Nurs Res 2023; 69:151665. [PMID: 36635006 PMCID: PMC9743780 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2022.151665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy diet, exercise, and sleep practices may mitigate stress and prevent illness. However, lifestyle behaviors of acute care nurses working during stressful COVID-19 surges are unclear. PURPOSE To quantify sleep, diet, and exercise practices of 12-hour acute care nurses working day or night shift during COVID-19-related surges. METHODS Nurses across 10 hospitals in the United States wore wrist actigraphs and pedometers to quantify sleep and steps and completed electronic diaries documenting diet over 7-days. FINDINGS Participant average sleep quantity did not meet national recommendations; night shift nurses (n = 23) slept significantly less before on-duty days when compared to day shift nurses (n = 34). Proportionally more night shift nurses did not meet daily step recommendations. Diet quality was low on average among participants. DISCUSSION Nurses, especially those on night shift, may require resources to support healthy sleep hygiene, physical activity practices, and diet quality to mitigate stressful work environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Rangel
- Providence Health System, United States of America.
| | - T Saul
- Providence Health System, United States of America
| | - R Bindler
- Providence Health System, United States of America; Washington State University, United States of America
| | - J K Roney
- Providence Health System, United States of America
| | - R A Penders
- Providence Health System, United States of America
| | - R Faulkner
- Providence Health System, United States of America
| | - L Miller
- Lincoln Memorial University, United States of America
| | - M Sperry
- Providence Health System, United States of America
| | - L James
- Washington State University, United States of America
| | - M L Wilson
- Washington State University, United States of America
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Alwesmi MB, Dator WL, Karavasileiadou S. Lived Experiences of Female Nurses with COVID-19 Deaths on Their Watch. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12120470. [PMID: 36546953 PMCID: PMC9774805 DOI: 10.3390/bs12120470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on health systems, leading to a spike in stress, anxiety, and depression conditions among healthcare workers worldwide. Considering the mental health status of nurses, a pillar of the health system, is crucial for assuring the quality of the healthcare provided during and after pandemics. This study aimed to explore the experiences of female nurses who witnessed their patients dying of COVID-19. Seven female COVID-19 nurses were interviewed in person. Thematic analysis of the respondents' verbatim answers was implemented. Six main themes were identified. Theme 1 illustrates nurses' experience of emotional and psychological trauma as they witnessed their patients with COVID-19 die under their care. Theme 2 reveals aftershock reactions, including somatization, isolation, and emotional disengagement. Theme 3 highlights the hindrances and difficult situations related to the in-hospital care of COVID-19 patients. Theme 4 demonstrates victorious feelings and celebration of the patient's survival. Theme 5 emphasizes the nurse's ability to be calm and recognize the takeaways or lessons they have learned from this phase for their careers and lives. Theme 6 sheds light on nurses' emerging abilities and competencies. This study will hopefully provide a basis for a debriefing program that might be beneficial to the nurses and the health system. This might affect nurses' ability to work closely with patients, cope emotionally with challenges, and fulfil their professional tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai B. Alwesmi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Wireen Leila Dator
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Savvato Karavasileiadou
- Department of Community Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
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Stimpfel AW. Work Organization Factors Associated With Nurses' Stress, Sleep, and Performance: A Pre-pandemic Analysis. JOURNAL OF NURSING REGULATION 2022; 13:4-12. [PMID: 36281346 PMCID: PMC9581500 DOI: 10.1016/s2155-8256(22)00085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic put extreme stress on an already strained healthcare workforce. Suboptimal work organization, exacerbated by the pandemic, is associated with poor worker, patient, and organizational outcomes. However, there are limited qualitative studies exploring how the interconnections of work organization factors related to shift work, sleep, and work stress influence registered nurses and their work performance in the United States. Purpose We sought to understand how nurses perceive work organization factors that impact their performance. Knowledge in this area could direct efforts to implement policies and design tailored interventions to support nurses in the post-pandemic period. Methods We used a qualitative descriptive design with the Work, Stress, and Health framework as an overarching guide to understand the interconnectedness of work organization factors, work stress, and outcomes. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two anonymous, asynchronous virtual focus groups (i.e., threaded discussion boards) in 2019. Registered nurses (N = 23) working across the United States were recruited and engaged until data saturation was achieved. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Findings aligned with the Work, Stress, and Health framework and revealed three themes: (1) "Our Voice Should Matter" (nurses' desire to have their voices heard in staffing policies); (2) "Tired But Wired" (the harmful cycle of work stress, rumination, and poor sleep); and (3) "We're Only Human" (nurses' physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion linked to critical performance impairments). Conclusion These findings underscore that high work stress and poor sleep were present before the pandemic and impacted nurses' perceptions of their performance. As leaders look forward to recovery and work redesign efforts, these findings can guide decision-making and resource allocation for optimal nurse, patient, and organization outcomes.
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Polinard EL, Ricks TN, Duke ES, Lewis KA. Pandemic perspectives from the frontline-The nursing stories. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78:3290-3303. [PMID: 35621345 PMCID: PMC9347736 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe the experiences of registered nurses working in a US healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN This qualitative thematic analysis study is a secondary analysis of stories submitted by nurses to a repository established by the parent study. METHODS Registered nurses working in various roles in a healthcare system submitted stories (N = 45) to open-ended prompts via an online repository between June 2020 and February 2021. A team of three nurse scientists coded the stories using Dedoose software. Initial codes were then reviewed by the team to synthesize initial coding into themes. The COREQ checklist was used to ensure research reporting guidelines were met. RESULTS Thematic analysis revealed three themes in a global theme of COVID-19 pandemic-related personal and professional evolution: (1) The art and science of pandemic nursing, (2) Persisting despite challenges; and (3) Learning as we went. Each of the three organizing themes were supported by basic themes. CONCLUSIONS Identified themes affirm some of nursing's long-standing core values, such as the central role of human connectedness in restoring health, but findings also reflect new evolutionary processes of moral identity formation that occurred among nurses and the nursing profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. IMPACT Findings from this study describe the processes by which nurses' moral identity evolved during a segment of the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, these evolutions represent important shifts in the nursing profession. Using findings from this study, nurse educators, nurse managers and healthcare administrators will be able to implement effective, sustainable policies and processes that meet the needs of both the community and the workforce. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study was designed to capture the experiences of nurses employed by one healthcare organization. However, it was not conducted using input or suggestions from the public or the patient population served by the organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kimberly A Lewis
- University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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US Nurses’ Challenges with Personal Protective Equipment during COVID-19: Interview Findings from the Frontline Workforce. PSYCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/psych4020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to describe nurses’ experiences with personal protective equipment while providing patient care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. From May 2020 to September 2020, 100 individual interviews were conducted with nurses from diverse backgrounds and practice settings. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and verified for thematic analysis. Three key themes emerged related to personal protective equipment during COVID-19: (1) concerns with safety, (2) concerns with personal protective equipment supply, and (3) concerns with health care systems changing personal protective equipment policies. These findings support the importance of transparent and equitable institution-wide PPE standards in creating safe working environments. Clear communication around personal protective equipment policies and procedures, personal protective equipment education, and assurance of equitable access to equipment that can mitigate risk and disability while also reducing fear, confusion, and frustration among nurses. Maintaining clear and consistent personal protective equipment guidelines and communication regarding supplies and procedures enhances transparency during both routine and critical times de-escalating the inevitable strain concomitant with providing patient care during a global pandemic.
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Ejderlöf J, Engström Å. The Helicopter Transports of Patients Critically ill with COVID-19. SAGE Open Nurs 2022; 8:23779608221094108. [PMID: 35493543 PMCID: PMC9039442 DOI: 10.1177/23779608221094108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of our study was to describe specialist nurses’ experiences with the helicopter transport of patients critically ill with COVID-19. Method Our study followed a descriptive qualitative design anchored in the naturalistic paradigm and was based on qualitative content analysis. The study followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Results Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with specialist nurses who have cared for patients critically ill with COVID-19 during helicopter transport. The analysis of the interviews resulted in three themes—designing new routines before transport, working under new conditions and post-transport and reflections—with 11 categories. The goal of the intensive care transport of patients with COVID-19 was twofold: to prevent the spread of infection by using personal protective equipment and to prevent the contamination of the helicopter. Conclusion For the nurses, working in personal protective equipment created a feeling of distance from patients that compromised patient–nurse intimacy. Our results suggest that ensuring the sufficiency of equipment required in the event of major accidents and pandemics is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Åsa Engström
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Lulea University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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13
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Robinson KR, Jensen GA, Gierach M, McClellan C, Wolles B, Bartelt S, Hodge J. The lived experience of frontline nurses: COVID-19 in rural America. Nurs Forum 2022; 57:640-649. [PMID: 35445432 PMCID: PMC9115476 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aim This multisite study describes the lived experience of registered nurses (RNs) caring for coronavirus (COVID‐19) patients during the pandemic in rural America. Design A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Methods From January to June 2021, using the purposeful sampling method, 19 frontline nurses were interviewed regarding their experience caring for seriously ill COVID‐19 patients in three Upper Midwest tertiary care hospitals. Three doctoral prepared nurses transcribed and analyzed verbatim interviews with data interpreted separately and conjointly. Approved qualitative methods specific to transcendental phenomenology were used. Results This phenomenological study identified four themes describing the lived experience: (1) feeling of being overwhelmed, (2) feeling of role frustration related to chaos in the care environment, (3) feeling of abandonment by leaders, families, and communities, and (4) progressing from perseverance to resilience. Implications for Practice Significant implications include ensuring frontline RNs are in communication with leaders, and are involved in tactical planning. Leaders can provide a stabilizing presence, build resilience, confidence, and security. Recommendations for additional research are provided. Conclusion Nurses in intensive care and COVID‐19 designated medical units had experiences similar to high population United States and international cities. Their shared experience included high volumes of critically ill patients in hospitals frenzied by rapid change, uncertainty, and capacity strain. Differences in the experience of rural nurses included close social connection to patients, families, and community members. This rural connectedness had both positive and negative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michelle Gierach
- Department of Nursing, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
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Melnikov S, Friedman S, Aboav A, Mor F, Cohen Y. Factors affecting the professional functioning of healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:1157-1167. [PMID: 35403325 PMCID: PMC9115205 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim To examine personal and organisational factors related to professional functioning of nurses and physicians during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background Exposure to COVID‐19‐related stressors has been associated with lower self‐reported professional functioning among health care workers. Methods A cross‐sectional study among 115 hospital workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Israel was designed to explore (a) personal professional functioning, (b) clarity of guidelines, (c) work organisation by the management, and (d) health care workers' feeling of contribution to a global effort. Results A feeling of contribution to a global effort while treating patients with COVID‐19 mediated the relationships between work organisation by the management and professional functioning (β = .05, p < .05). The clarity of guidelines for routine procedures (β = .21, p < .05) and a feeling of β contribution to a global effort (β = .34, p < .01) positively predicted professional functioning of nurses and physicians during COVID‐19 pandemic (R2 = .19, p < .01). Conclusions In order to achieve optimal functioning of health care workers in an emergency, managers should provide clear guidelines and promote workers' feelings of contribution to a global effort. Implications for Nursing Management The provision of clear guidelines and protocols is essential for efficient emergency management. Expressing appreciation for health care workers and providing positive feedback may improve professional functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anat Aboav
- Internal Department A, Wolfson Medical Center Holon Israel
| | - Fariba Mor
- Internal Department B, Wolfson Medical Center Holon Israel
| | - Yael Cohen
- Internal Department D, Wolfson Medical Center Holon Israel
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