Work as a Frontline Volunteer During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Hubei, China: A Qualitative Inquiry of Male Nurses

Abstract

Background During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, an increased large number of male nurses volunteered for frontline assignment. Their excellent performance suggests that male nurses have several advantages over female nurses. However, research into the activities of Chinese male nurses engaged in frontline work during the COVID-19 pandemic remains limited. Purpose This study was designed to summarize the reflections of male nurses on their experiences while volunteering for frontline COVID-19 duty in Hubei, China. Methods An interpretative qualitative descriptive study was conducted from May to July 2020 on male nurses who had volunteered for frontline COVID-19 duty in Hubei. Twelve male nurses were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Four main themes and 11 subthemes were identified, including (a) changing the way of thinking at work (four subthemes), (b) clarity regarding career development (three subthemes), (c) change in life philosophy (two subthemes), and (d) personal growth (two subthemes). Conclusions The experience of volunteering during the COVID-19 public health emergency influenced the male nurses positively in terms of improved organizational, management, and decision-making skills as well as improved performance. The beneficial attributes of male nurses should be taken into consideration when developing management policies related to nursing personnel.