The experience of the nurse during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A global meta‐synthesis in the year of the nurse

Abstract

Purpose From its beginnings in China in December of 2019, the novel coronavirus COVID‐19 spread and quickly became the center of nursing care and conversation across the globe (WHO, 2020). This meta‐ethnographic study was conducted in order to provide the profession of nursing interpretative explanations of a common experience during the care of patients with COVID‐19. Design and method A literature review focused on the experience of the nurse during the COVID‐19 pandemic revealed a total of 13 qualitative studies conducted in China, Spain, Turkey, Iran, Brazil, and the United States. A meta‐ethnographic review of these qualitative works, using the method of Noblit and Hare, was then conducted which revealed the experience of the nurse across the globe during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Findings The review revealed strong similarities between the experiences of the nurse across the 13 studies. Given this reciprocal relationship, translations were constructed and synthesized until four new themes emerged outlining the global experience of the nurse during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conclusions Despite the differences between the structures of healthcare and government of the six countries represented in this meta‐ethnography, the experience of the nurse emerged into a narrative shared by those represented in this study. As the profession of nursing continues to work through ongoing waves of COVID‐19, these results will help guide the resources and training provided to nurses on the frontline of care. Clinical relevance Despite great personal risk, nurses across the globe stepped up to the challenge of upholding and improving the health of the world's people during the COVID‐19 pandemic. As health policy, education, and system leaders, we must listen to the common experience revealed in this meta‐synthesis and respond by providing the resources needed to improve nursing practice and care.

To come back or not to come back during the coronavirus crisis—A cross‐sectional online survey of inactive nurses

“…Thus, the experience can be both satisfying and demanding. This is also reported by Zipf et al ( 2022 ), in whose study nurses report stress and exhaustion, but also pride in what they have achieved so far.…”

“…The #PflegeComeBack study concluded that around 120,000–200,000 inactive nurses would consider returning to nursing, depending on circumstances, that is improved working conditions (Paul Hartmann, 2018 ). It has been shown that the pandemic is likely to make conditions even worse (Zipf et al, 2022 ).…”

Exploring Nurses’ Working Experiences during the First Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak

“…Stress, anxiety, and fear were reported in the relevant literature as the most common emotions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 9 , 13 , 44 , 45 ]. The fear of being contaminated was demonstrated specifically by the front-line nurses as they were in close contact with COVID-19 patients.…”

“…In addition, lack of information about the novel virus, unpreparedness about the use of personal protection equipment (PPE), and changing policies have increased the levels of stress and uncertainty for all nurses, even for those who did not care for COVID patients [ 4 ]. Nurses globally appeared to share similar feelings of fear, moral conflict, need for preparedness and safety, sense of duty, and exhaustion [ 5 ]. Issues of vulnerability, family protection from possible infection, and yet professional commitment and collegiality appeared to be issues of significant importance for nurses all over the world [ 6 ].…”

“…Plenty of studies have been conducted worldwide to assess the psychological impact and the burnout frequency among frontline nurses during the pandemic [ 4 , 5 , 14 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Fewer focused on investigating the experiences of nurses working in general wards and the impact of the pandemic outbreak on the provision of nursing care [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”