The experiences of nurses infected with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: A qualitative study

Aim: To understand about the experiences and feelings of the nurses infected with COVID-19 when caring for patients with COVID-19.

Background: With the sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nurses take care of patients with COVID-19 and have a very high risk of being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) themselves.

Methods: This study adopted a qualitative design of hermeneutic phenomenology. A purposeful sampling was used, and all data were collected through in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews then analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results: The interview data generated 4 topics and 14 secondary topics. Four major themes were identified from this study, including 'experiences of infection', 'health belief', 'social support' and 'the pursuit of self-worth'.

Conclusions: Nurses infected by COVID-19 experienced a physical and psychological shock. They had a strong sense of responsibility and willingness to take risks. Providing professional psychological counselling and physical rehabilitation services are crucial.

Implications for nursing management: This manuscript provides nursing managers an understanding of the personal experiences and needs of clinical nurses in their work, especially during COVID-19. It is helpful for nursing managers to explore the greater driving force of nurses and prepare nursing human resources for greater challenges.