Investigating Nurses’ and Nurse Managers’ Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background: Türkiye is ranked close to last among OECD countries in terms of the ‘number of nurses per 1,000 people’. Nurses and nurse managers already devotedly provided services under difficult conditions during normal periods before the pandemic, and this became even harder during the pandemic. Therefore, it is important to investigate the experiences of nurses and nurse managers during the pandemic to make improvement in nursing care for future possible pandemics. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of nurses and nurse managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The study used the phenomenological qualitative approach. The sample consisted of 14 nurse managers and 14 nurses who were working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected via online voice and video calls using a semi-structured interview form. The findings were reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Results: Following analysis of the data, the attitudes of nurse managers and nurses in Türkiye related to the COVID-19 pandemic challenges and experiences divided into three themes: “Communication”, “Training”, and “Working Conditions/Environment”. Conclusion: In the study, nurses emphasized that their work environments were negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it was concluded that nurse managers exerted significant efforts to facilitate communication, to meet nurses’ needs for training, and to improve staff nurses’ working conditions. Some nurses noted that hospital administrators and nursing service managers provided social and psychological support. The study also revealed that the sensitivity and genuine approach of nurse managers enhanced nurses’ resilience. Nurse managers’ management skills and nurses’ experiences during the pandemic provide valuable insights and evidence for effectively managing future pandemics and similar disasters.