Challenges faced by nurses while caring for COVID-19 patients: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for frontline healthcare workers.
• Nurses, in particular, were directly involved in patient care, facing numerous obstacles during the crisis.
• Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving support systems during health emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the specific challenges encountered by nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in Iran.
• To provide insights into the multifaceted difficulties faced by healthcare professionals during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative content analysis approach was employed.
• Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with ten nurses actively involved in COVID-19 care in Iran.
• Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using MAXQDA software.

Main Results:

• Identified three primary categories of challenges: mismanagement in pandemic control, mental and physical health complications, and workforce shortages.
• Seventeen subcategories of challenges were further detailed within these main themes.
• Findings highlight systemic issues affecting nurses' well-being and capacity to provide care.

Conclusions:

• Hospital management and authorities are pivotal in addressing nurses' financial needs and mitigating job discrimination.
• Implementing financial and non-financial incentives can improve nurses' working conditions and reduce discrimination.
• Study findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and hospital administrators to enhance support for nurses during public health emergencies.