Feelings and Experiences of Return-to-Work Among Nurses Occupationally Infected With COVID-19 During the Late Phase of the Pandemic in Japan

This study explored the feelings of nurses occupationally infected with COVID-19 during the late pandemic phase in Japan, from diagnosis to return to work, to provide suggestions for safe and continuous employment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 11 nurses infected during the late phase of the pandemic (August 2022 to February 2023). The data were analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach. At diagnosis, nurses experienced shock and a strong sense of guilt and self-blame arising from the feeling of being blamed by others. Negative emotions during the infection period influenced postreturn feelings, leading to distrust stemming from insufficient infection control measures and a desire to leave their workplace. Conversely, gratitude for the support from managers and colleagues during the recuperation period fostered their determination to return. Furthermore, a sense of achievement, such as improved nursing expertise and reaffirmation of professional values, facilitated a positive transformation of the infection experience, supporting work motivation. These findings suggest that managers and colleagues recognize the importance of alleviating nurses' self-blame, improving environments, and organizational support, enabling nurses to maintain achievement by reframing their experiences positively.