Experiences and Needs of Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients: A phenomenological Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted by using the qualitative study method descriptive phenomenological approach in order to explore the experiences and needs of nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and Materials: This study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach. The Questionnaire Form and the Semi-Structured Interview Form were used for data collection. Results: Themes and sub-themes as a result of interviews with nurses were the effects of the pandemic (psychological effects, working conditions, social effects), fear and worries (stress and uncertainty, infecting beloved ones and others), satisfaction (motivation of being a nurse, care for patients with COVID-19 and interaction with them, team harmony and positive energy), needs(need for auxillary staff, need for additional nurses, need for psychological support), occupational health and safety (difficulties and pressures related to personal protective equipment, thermal comfort issues, nutritional problems, occupational accidents, relationship between COVID-19 and occupational disease). Conclusion: Nurses who cared for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Turkey were negatively affected by the pandemic both psychologically and socially.