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"If I Can't Do It, Who Will?" Lived Experiences of Australian Emergency Nurses During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Authors :
Jackson MR
Porter JE
Peck B
Mesagno C
Source :
Journal of emergency nursing [J Emerg Nurs] 2023 Sep; Vol. 49 (5), pp. 733-743. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 May 16.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 180,000 health care workers have died in the fight against COVID-19. Emergency nurses have experienced relentless pressure in maintaining the health and well-being of their patients, often to their detriment.<br />Methods: This research aimed to gain an understanding of lived experiences of Australian emergency nurses working on the frontline during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative research design was used, guided by an interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological approach. A total of 10 Victorian emergency nurses from both regional and metropolitan hospitals were interviewed between September and November 2020. Analysis was undertaken using a thematic analysis method.<br />Results: A total of 4 major themes were produced from the data. The 4 overarching themes included mixed messages, changes to practice, living through a pandemic, and 2021: here we come.<br />Discussion: Emergency nurses have been exposed to extreme physical, mental, and emotional conditions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A greater emphasis on the mental and emotional well-being of frontline workers is paramount to the success of maintaining a strong and resilient health care workforce.<br /> (Copyright © 2023 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1527-2966
Volume :
49
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of emergency nursing
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
37294260
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2023.05.004