The Lived Experiences of Frontline Nurses Who Contracted COVID-19: Does Gender Matter?

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and responses of nurses who contracted COVID-19 infection at work, with a comparison of gender-based experiences.

A qualitative-descriptive approach was employed, with purposive sampling of participants from four hospitals in Jordan with specialised COVID-19 units.

Seventeen registered nurses were interviewed after full recovery from the disease and returning to work. The analysis revealed disparities in the experience of nurses by gender, with three themes: (a) struggling with mixed emotions, (b) becoming vulnerable and demanding and (c) COVID-19 positively affecting practice. The participants described their struggle with mixed feelings, such as fear and guilt, after the confirmation of being infected with COVID-19. Female nurses more often linked these emotions to family caregiving roles, whilst male nurses more frequently framed their distress around professional identity and responsibility. Furthermore, gendered changes were related in their personalities after being infected with COVID-19, as they became vulnerable and asked people to care for them. Lastly, nurses returning to work after recovering from COVID-19 reported greater compassion and empathy reflected in their patient care.

Policymakers should recognise changes that may affect nurses due to illness and provide adequate psychological counselling and physical support to help them overcome these challenging experiences.