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. 2023 Dec 18;110(2):379-386.
doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0136. Print 2024 Feb 7.

Work Experience of Intensive Care Nurses during the Period of the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Gonca Karataş Baran  1 , Sevcan Atasoy  2 , Taşkın Tepe  2 , Şenay Tanrıöver  3
Affiliations

Work Experience of Intensive Care Nurses during the Period of the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Gonca Karataş Baran et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. .

Abstract

This study was conducted to describe the working experiences, feelings, and thoughts of nurses working in the intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic from their perspective. Empirical phenomenological approach, one of the qualitative study methods, was used to obtain detailed descriptions of the experiences of nurses working in the ICU during the COVID-19 outbreak in providing patient care. The research design is an in-depth interview technique. The Colaizzi method was used in the analysis of the interviews. The data obtained from the research were categorized in six main themes. These themes are as follows: backbone of the health system-nursing, professional achievements, difficulties encountered, support needs and expectations, changes in emotions, and private life. In the process of fighting the pandemic, ICU nurses undertook important responsibilities, quickly adapted to the crisis, and displayed a strong stance, thus carrying a huge burden within the healthcare system.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The purpose of the study was explained to the participants, their consent was obtained through an informed voluntary consent form, and confidentiality was ensured using the code. Approval was obtained from the Ankara Keçiören Training and Research Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee (22.07.2020/2012-KAEK-15/2148) and hospital where the study was conducted (17.08.2020/43278876-929). In addition, permissions were obtained from the Ankara Provincial Health Directorate (20.08.2020/90739940-799) and the Ministry of Health (2020-07-06T19_16_09). The data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Colaizzi descriptive phenomenological method.
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