Experiences of a Nursing Team Working in a Residential Care Facility for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Experiences of staff working in residential long-term care facilities (LTCFs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are likely to differ from that of staff working in acute hospitals. The aim of the current study was to describe the experiences of the nursing team supporting frail older adults with high medical and care needs living in a LTCF. Using a descriptive qualitative design, data were gathered via one-to-one semi-structured interviews and thematically analyzed. Four themes emerged: Providing Care During COVID-19, Impact of COVID-19 on Staff, Organizational Management of COVID-19, and Training and Education. Visitation restrictions and staff shortages impacted all aspects of work life. Staff reported increased stress and exhaustion with COVID-19 infection resulting in long-term health issues. It is important to learn from these experiences to inform and empower staff to manage future outbreaks of infectious diseases. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(3), 40-46.].