The Feelings of Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Confinement: Narrative-Based Nursing and Poetry-of-Care Perspectives

Abstract

(1) Background: Experiences involve feelings, which, in turn, produce meaning that can become a subjectively lived experience. Therefore, the study of experiences and feelings is essential. Introduction: We examined the role of narrative-based nursing (NBN) and the poetry of care (PC). Objective: To reflect upon the emotions and feelings experienced by nursing students during confinement induced by COVID-19. (2) Methods: This is a qualitative study with a focus on reflexive anthropology, NBN, and PC. Setting and participants: The non-probabilistic sample of incidental, casual, or accessibility type. It consists of 198 students completing their first degree in nursing (the academic year of 2019-2020) of the University of Alicante. (3) Results: Three main categories were considered in the research: For the ‘first day’, 21 subcategories were identified, and uncertainty was the most frequently noted feeling. For the ‘most significant day’, 22 subcategories were found, with the explosion of feelings being the most frequent. For the ‘last day’, 15 subcategories were recorded, with the feeling of relief being the most common. Conclusions: The NBN and PC are relevant therapeutic tools that facilitate reflection and promote awareness of feelings.