Experiences of first‐line nurse managers during COVID‐19: A Jordanian qualitative study

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of Jordanian first-line nurse managers during COVID-19.Background: Nurses are exposed to life-threatening occupational risks during COVID-19. Exploring the first-line nurse managers' experiences will help in designing health policies to better deal with such emerging crises.Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted. A purposive sample was used to recruit 16 first-line nurse managers from Jordanian hospitals.Semistructured interviews were conducted. Phenomenological data analysis method was used to analyse the data. Results: Four major themes emerged: (a) unprecedented pressure (first-line nurse managers revealed their suffering with the unprecedented demanding situations during COVID-19 pandemic); (b) strengthening system and resilience (nurse managers employed several strategies to strengthen the health system and enhance resilience); (c) building a supportive team (the presence of a robust supportive system is vital to deal with the pandemic); and (d) maturity during the crisis (exposure to a new experience developed nurse managers management skills and self-awareness). Conclusions: The unprecedented pressure associated with COVID-19 drained first-line nurse managers physically and psychosocially. Providing adequately trained staff and medical equipment is important to better deal with crises. Implications for Nursing Management: Strengthening emergency training and improving emergency response plans of hospitals are essential.

Resilience among health care workers while working during a pandemic: A systematic review and meta synthesis of qualitative studies

“…Solidarity was noted among colleagues and comradery increased morale; “I felt warm in the team, and everyone was working together to fight against the disease” ( Zhou et al, 2021 ). Peers were a source of emotional support and offered reassurance to one another ( Abu Mansour & Abu Shosha, 2022 ). HCWs appreciated when colleagues asked how they were doing; “And people walk in all the time and ask, “How are you?”, “Is everything okay?” and “How are you feeling?” In that respect it is a reassuring experience ( Belfroid et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Training such as using PPE, respiratory equipment and how to care for patients was reported to strengthen HCWs' resilience. ( Abu Mansour & Abu Shosha, 2022 ).…”

Challenges faced by nurse managers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review

“…Becoming ordinary nurses rather than managers due to understaffing ( Kagan et al, 2021 ; Moyo et al, 2022 ; White, 2021 ), screening for all workers and visitors ( Moyo et al, 2022 ) and managing protective equipment and ventilators all the time ( White, 2021 ) were identified as new roles for nursing managers during the pandemic. Increased workload ( Abu Mansour and Abu Shosha, 2021 ; Gab Allah, 2021 ; Holge-Hazelton et al, 2021 ; Jackson and Nowell, 2021 ; Middleton et al, 2021 ; Moyo et al, 2022 ; White, 2021 ) with longer shifts ( Abu Mansour and Abu Shosha, 2021 ; White, 2021 ), no breaks ( Abu Mansour and Abu Shosha, 2021 ) and a lot of administrative work such as filling out government documents and counselling staff members ( Moyo et al, 2022 ) were some challenges reported by nurse managers.…”

“…So that some of them wanted to leave their jobs ( Middleton et al, 2021 ). Tiredness ( Abu Mansour and Abu Shosha, 2021 ; White, 2021 ), fatigue, exhaustion, muscle weakness, aching muscles, loss of appetite ( Abu Mansour and Abu Shosha, 2021 ), weight gain and insomnia ( White, 2021 ) were pointed out by nurse managers as impacts on their health. In addition, wearing PPE for long hours was a physical challenge for nurse managers, as the equipment was heavy, making them sweat and limiting their movements ( Abu Mansour and Abu Shosha, 2021 ).…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Concerning Covid-19 Preventive Measures Among Healthcare Providers in Jordan

“…The fight against COVID-19 in Jordan is challenged by misconceptions about the disease among the public and the spread of COVID-19 between healthcare providers. Another barrier was providing adequate personal preventive equipment and having a protective policy at the workplace ( Abu Mansour & Abu Shosha, 2022 ; Mantelakis et al, 2021 ). Healthcare workers are among the highest risk group for infection with COVID-19 and have at least a threefold higher rate of infection with COVID-19 as compared to the general public ( Ersoy, 2020 ).…”