The Lived Experience of Nurses Caring for Patients with COVID-19 in Iran: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in Iran. Methods: This study was a descriptive phenomenology. Sampling was purposefully performed, and participants were selected in terms of the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using the WhatsApp mobile messaging application. Colaizzi's method was used to analyse the data. The criteria introduced by Lincoln and Guba were used for the study rigour. Results: The data were obtained from 12 nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. The mean age of the participants was 29.41 years (SD = 2.72) with a mean work experience of 6.75 years (SD = 2.52). Three main themes and six subthemes were identified: mental condition (subthemes included "anxiety and stress" and "fear"), emotional condition (subthemes included "suffering and affliction" and "waiting for death"), and care context (subthemes included "turmoil" and "lack of support and equipment"). Conclusion: The results of this study show that nurses working in the wards and care centres designated for patients with COVID-19 are experiencing mental and emotional distress and are working in inadequate professional conditions.