Distress and Rewards of Nurses with Experience in COVID-19 Wards: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Amidst the global escalation of COVID-19, nurses have confronted the dual challenge of exposure to infection and the duty to provide patient care, leading to some moral dilemmas. This study aims to explore the psychological burden and dilemmas faced by nurses working in COVID-19 wards, elucidating their professional distress and rewards, and examining their interrelation. Methods This qualitative descriptive study employed semi-structured interviews to gather data on the experiences of nurses who worked in COVID-19 wards. The study spanned from January 2022 to March 2023. Qualitative content analysis was applied to analyze interview transcripts. Results The study involved 12 participants (8 women and 4 men). Their experience ranged from 4-21 years. The group included 6 staff nurses, 3 head or deputy head nurses, and 3 head nurses. No significant changes were observed in weekly working hours pre- and post-COVID-19. Analysis of the interviews revealed that nurses working in COVID-19 wards experienced conflicts related to the risk of infection at work, role execution, organizational challenges, and interpersonal relationships. Concurrently, they also reported finding rewards in their work and in building connections with others. Conclusions This study revealed that nurses experienced distress related to COVID-19-related job challenges, leading to a sense of mistrust towards their organizations. However, working in COVID-19 wards also brought a renewed sense of job fulfillment, particularly through interactions with individuals they had not previously encountered. These experiences are illustrative of the dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals in balancing the distress and rewards inherent in their roles.