Intensive care unit nurses' redeployment experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated large-scale nurse redeployment, impacting intensive care unit (ICU) registered nurses (RNs).
• While redeployment of non-ICU RNs to ICUs is understood, ICU RNs' experiences redeployed to general wards are less explored.
• Previous redeployments of ICU RNs have led to dissatisfaction, reduced hours, and increased intentions to resign.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of ICU RNs redeployed to hospital wards between 2021 and 2022.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 ICU RNs across three Melbourne hospitals.
• Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• Six major themes emerged: risk, choice, feeling lost, distress, being undervalued, and positive perspectives.
• Key subthemes included absenteeism, patient care concerns, lack of orientation, clinical and emotional stress, and feeling unfairly treated.
• Some positive aspects were noted, such as colleague support and the opportunity to care for patients.

Conclusions:

• ICU RN redeployment to general wards was predominantly a negative experience for nurses.
• Findings underscore the risks of redeployment on nurses and the healthcare system.
• Recommendations include enhanced orientation, sustainable team nursing, and prioritizing staff wellbeing.