Nurses' Perceptions Regarding Their Professional Commitment and Development during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has led to high levels of professional burnout among nurses, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment.
• Understanding the impact of the pandemic on nurses' well-being and professional trajectory is crucial for healthcare system resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions of frontline nurses regarding their professional commitment and development during the COVID-19 pandemic using Giorgi's phenomenological approach.
• To gain in-depth insights into the lived experiences of nurses during the initial waves of the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using Giorgi's focus.
• Semi-structured interviews were performed with 14 frontline nurses in public hospitals in Spain.
• Data analysis was supported by Atlas-Ti 8.0 software.

Main Results:

• Two primary themes emerged: nurses' professional commitment during the pandemic and the pandemic's effects on professional development.
• Seven subcategories were identified, detailing the nuanced experiences of nurses.

Conclusions:

• Fostering nurses' sense of professional quality is vital for their psychosocial health and commitment, especially in crisis situations.
• The study provides insights for administrators to create supportive work environments, enhancing healthcare system preparedness for future catastrophes.
• Addressing nurses' needs is essential for maintaining a robust healthcare workforce.