Experience of professional nurses in caring for COVID-19 patients Banphraek Hospital

Abstract

     The purpose of this research was to describe experience of professional nurses in caring for COVID-19 patients in Banphraek Hospital. Hermeneutic phenomenology of Heidegger was applied as a research methodology. The participants were selected by purposive sampling of 10 professional nurses with direct experience in caring for COVID-19 patients. Data were collected by using in-depth interviews. The instruments were 1) the personal data record form, 2) the semi-structured interview form, created by the researcher and reviewed by 2 experts and taken in a pilot study with 2 qualified informants to determine the appropriateness of the question line and improve the questions before applying to practice, 3) the field record form, 4) the reflection record form, and 5) voice recorder 1 set. Data analysis followed van Manen’s method. Trust worthiness was established by following Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.

Study findings consisted of 8 major themes as follows:  

1. The management of COVID-19 patients care including 1.1) Personnel are knowledgeable, intelligent, and have clear guidelines, 1.2) Sufficient equipment preparation affects safety and 1.3) Safe place management for patients and personnel.
2. Problems and obstacles in caring for patients with COVID-19 including 2.1) Difficulty in communication among elderly patients, 2.2) Access the patient must wear a PPE suit which is hot and cannot facilitate treatment and 2.3) There must be monitoring of changing symptoms and planning for patient safety.
3. The impact of caring for patients with COVID-19 including 3.1) Nurses had to be separated from their families for fear of infection, 3.2) Nurses are stressed about lack of confidence as COVID-19 is an emerging disease, and nurses are inexperienced and 3.3) Misunderstanding sentiment from stigma.
4. Executive Support in caring for COVID-19 patients including 4.1) Nurses want to have good welfare and appropriate compensation, 4.2) Nurses want to be praised for your attention as a morale booster and 4.3) Nurses need help with problems and do not scold operators
5. lessons learned from caring for COVID-19 patients including 5.1) There is teamwork, unity, and kindness to each other, 5.2) Overcoming fear through practice and learning process and 5.3) Self-esteem in the role of the nurse in caring for COVID-19 patients

     The study findings provided for more understandings in caring for COVID-19 patients at Banphraek Hospital of professional nurses. Nurse executive can use them as guideline to reduce risk , improve safety at work of nurses, reduce stress and retention of professional nurses.