Frontline nurses' caring experiences in COVID-19 units: A qualitative study.

AIM: Exploring nurses' caring and communication experiences in COVID-19 units.

BACKGROUND

Frontline nurses play a critical role in providing 24-h bedside nursing care to COVID-19 patients. An in-depth understanding of frontline nurses' lived experiences is necessary to establish appropriate nursing strategies during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Qualitative descriptive design with content analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen nurses were interviewed, and three themes were identified: central role of therapeutic communication, compassion that deepens naturally and expansion of professionalism in nursing.

CONCLUSION

The nurses proactively provided care for COVID-19 patients, and they acknowledged and accepted their roles in protecting the lives and ensuring the health of their patients daily. The nurses' experiences in COVID-19 units served as an opportunity for ruminating and rediscovering the meaning of nursing.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Hospital policymakers and nurse managers should strive to resolve the communication-related challenges faced by nurses. Standardizing and implementing effective communication strategies should be considered in nursing management.