COVID-19 - A Qualitative Orthopaedic Nurse Perspective

Abstract

In response to a March 2020, New York State mandate, our elective surgery center began a physical and operational transformation to provide inpatient care to COVID-19 patients. Research study aims included (1) a description of the orthopaedic nurses' experience during the pandemic, and (2) tactics used to cope with related stress. Researchers used a descriptive, qualitative design to achieve study aims. During April to December 2020, nine nurses responded to seven open-ended, study prompts asking them to journal their thoughts about the pandemic. The majority (66%) of participants were experienced nurses and all provided direct patient care. Nurses provided 51 journal entries that generated 12 themes, which encapsulated their experience living through the pandemic: (1) Whirlwind, (2) War, (3) Control, (4) Death and Dying, (5) Staying Safe, (6) Loss, (7) Looking for Meaning, (8) Whatever It Takes, (9) Adaptability and Resilience, (10) What I Have Learned, (11) The New Normal, and (12) When Will This Be Over? Orthopaedic nurses in this study pivoted to the needs of patients requiring them to draw on all their training and resources. Nurses described the enormity and taxing nature of the viral threat and their ability to manage their well-being while caring for patients and loved ones, amidst social distancing and need for aggressive infection control. Support from peers and leadership were paramount factors in nurse coping. Positive thinking and personal resilience were considered essential. Most participants described personal growth; however, decreased participation in journal responses overtime, suggested emotional strain. Future studies should examine nurses' observations about the impact of changes to their practice brought on by the pandemic, and reliance on technology.