Frontline nurses' willingness to work during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing
• Public Health

Background:

• Frontline nurses are crucial for healthcare system stability during pandemics.
• Understanding nurses' willingness to work is vital for maintaining care quality.
• Limited research exists on factors influencing nurses' willingness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine frontline nurses' willingness to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify predictors of their willingness to work.
• To explore the reasons behind their willingness or unwillingness to work.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design was employed.
• Quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently via questionnaire surveys.
• The study included 2014 frontline nurses in two Wuhan hospitals (designated and temporary) from February 13-24, 2020.

Main Results:

• 96.8% of nurses expressed willingness to work.
• Key predictors of willingness included higher family income, fewer working hours per shift, and belief in colleagues' and hospitals' preparedness.
• Depression levels negatively predicted willingness to work.

Conclusions:

• Frontline nurses demonstrated strong professional commitment and patriotism.
• Strategies to enhance willingness include recognition, fair compensation, reasonable hours, improved preparedness, and emotional support.
• Addressing safety concerns and family responsibilities is crucial for supporting nurses.