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

Abstract

Background: The Jordanian health system was overwhelmed in the early phases of 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. Purpose: This research aims at investigating the experiences of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in field hospitals. 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 methods were 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) Feelings of helplessness and betrayal. Physical, emotional, and mental changes of nurses were observed after caring for patients with severe illness resulting 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 sub-themes has shown that nurses experienced stress, anxiety, depression, as well as other psychological and mental challenges. Therefore, healthcare leaders should consider meeting the nurses’ needs and resolving challenges that faced them. Implications for Nursing: Healthcare policymakers and leaders in the health sector should consider implementing programs that support nurses' well-being and productivity under crises. Also, additional pay allowance should be considered to compensate for the dangerous time that nurses spend in special situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Qualitative research, COVID-19, Nurses, Public health, Field hospitals.