Challenges experienced by ICU nurses throughout the provision of care for COVID-19 patients: A qualitative study

Aim To explore the challenges experienced by ICU nurses throughout the provision of care for COVID-19 patients. Background The intensive care unit nurses, who are at the frontline of fighting against COVID-19 and defusing this crisis, are faced with various challenges throughout the provision of care for COVID-19 patients. Methods In this qualitative descriptive study, a total of 17 nurses working in intensive care units were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. After recording and transcribing interviews, the concepts were extracted using the content analysis method. Findings The nurses reported the four following challenges throughout the provision of care for COVID-19 patients: 'organization's inefficiency in supporting nurses', 'physical exhaustion', 'living with uncertainty' and 'psychological burden of the disease'. Conclusion The present study portrayed a clear understanding of the challenges faced by nurses working in intensive care units during the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic based on their lived experiences. Implications for Nursing Management A profound understanding of these challenges in the current critical situation can help health care authorities adopt appropriate measures to resolve these challenges, provide health care facilities, support the health workforce, give accurate and evidence-based information and perform psychological interventions on how to handle the current crisis.

Automated summary

This study explored the challenges experienced by ICU nurses in caring for COVID-19 patients, including organizational inefficiencies, physical exhaustion, living with uncertainty, and the psychological burden of the disease. Nurses' lived experiences portrayed a clear understanding of the difficulties faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis.