The experiences of nurses infected with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a qualitative study

AIM: To understand about the experiences and feelings of the nurses infected with COVID-19 when caring for patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: With the sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nurses take care of patients with COVID-19 and have a very high risk of being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) themselves.

METHODS: This study adopted a qualitative design of hermeneutic phenomenology. A purposeful sampling was used, and all data were collected through in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews then analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS: The interview data generated 4 topics and 14 secondary topics. Four major themes were identified from this study, including "experiences of infection", "health belief", "social support", and "the pursuit of self-worth".

CONCLUSIONS: Nurses infected by COVID-19 experienced a physical and psychological shock. They had a strong sense of responsibility and willingness to take risks. Providing professional psychological counseling and physical rehabilitation services are crucial.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This manuscript provides nursing managers an understanding of the personal experiences and needs of clinical nurses in their work, especially during COVID-19. It is helpful for nursing managers to explore the greater driving force of nurses and prepare nursing human resources for greater challenges.