Frontline nurses' caring experiences in COVID-19 units: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: Exploring nurses' caring and communication experiences in COVID-19 units. Background: Frontline nurses play a critical role in providing 24-h bedside nursing care to COVID-19 patients. An in-depth understanding of frontline nurses' lived experiences is necessary to establish appropriate nursing strategies during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Qualitative descriptive design with content analysis. Results: Fifteen nurses were interviewed, and three themes were identified: central role of therapeutic communication, compassion that deepens naturally and expansion of professionalism in nursing. Conclusion: The nurses proactively provided care for COVID-19 patients, and they acknowledged and accepted their roles in protecting the lives and ensuring the health of their patients daily. The nurses' experiences in COVID-19 units served as an opportunity for ruminating and rediscovering the meaning of nursing. Implications for Nursing Management: Hospital policymakers and nurse managers should strive to resolve the communication-related challenges faced by nurses. Standardizing and implementing effective communication strategies should be considered in nursing management.