Experiences of Nurses Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 disease, which has become a health crisis in the world, has affected various aspects of the personal and professional life of nurses. This study investigated the experiences of nurses diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study. Ten nurses with COVID-19 were purposefully selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed by Granheim and Lundman content analyze.

Results: In this study, the final five categories included (1) physical deterioration (verity of physical disorders - intensity of physical disorders), (2) Psychological reactions (anxiety, denial, anger, acceptance), (3) Making of sense of life (developing and transformation), (4) Economic burden (family economy restrictions - high cost of treatment- lack of financial support), and (5) Dual reactions of the people around (closeness and isolation - supportive and unsupportive).

Conclusion: Nurses suffering from COVID-19 encountered multiple physical, psychological, economic and empathy challenges. The nurses were transformed to the holistic meanings of their personal and professional life, prioritizing the patients' interventions and education, sharing experiences with the patients, and paying attention to the psychological aspects of care.