Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing (대한간호학회지)

Korean Society of Nursing Science (한국간호과학회)
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A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experience of Nurses Caring for Patients with COVID-19 in Korea

코로나바이러스 감염증-19 환자를 간호한 간호사의 경험: 현상학적 연구

  • Oh, Hee (Department of Nursing, Seokkyung Medical Foundation Central General Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Na Kyoung (College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University)
  • 오희 (석경의료재단 센트럴병원 간호부) ;
  • 이나경 (경희대학교 간호과학대학)
  • Received : 2021.06.28
  • Accepted : 2021.09.25
  • Published : 2021.10.31
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Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to understand nurses' lived experiences of caring for patients with COVID-19. Methods: The phenomenological research method was used. The study participants were 16 Korean nurses who had experiences in caring for patients with COVID-19 in clinical settings. Data was collected using one-on-one in-depth interviews, from June 30 to September 30, 2020. During the interview, the quarantine rules were observed. Results: The study derived four themes clusters and thirty-eight sub themes. Four theme clusters were identified, i.e., 'a repetitive sense of crisis', 'enduring a drastic change,' 'sacrifice of personal life,' and 'pride in nursing'. The nurses' experiences of caring for patients with COVID-19 were an uneasy, unfamiliar, and threatening experiences for an individual, but it is an opportunity for a nursing organization to renew. Accordingly, it was found that nurses faithfully fulfill their individual roles with a vocation and responsibility. Conclusion: The study provides an in-depth understanding of the situational, psychological, and environmental aspects of challenges facing nurses in the pandemic situation. Based on the findings, institutional follow-up measures should be provided to establish support systems for better nursing care. In addition, studies are needed to track nurses' experiences in the prolonged COVID-19 situation.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their thanks to all of the nurses who gave their precious time to take part in this study. Thank you Hong Ju Yeong, Jung Eun Young, An Nawon. For your confirm to the validation of the study.

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