The Impact of COVID‐19 on nurses working in a University Health System in Singapore: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Given Singapore’s high population density and extensive geographical interconnections, it is unsurprising that the country reported one of the highest numbers of COVID‐19 cases in Asia. Past pandemic studies have suggested that nurses working in such crises might experience a deterioration of mental health, which could persist for years beyond the initial outbreak. This study used a qualitative descriptive design to explore nurses’ experiences of working in tertiary hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A total of 17 registered nurses who had worked for at least one year prior to the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic were recruited from a University Health System in Singapore from March to June 2020. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews lasting at least an hour conducted over an online platform by the principal investigator. The data were analysed through Braun and Clarke’s six‐step thematic analysis independently by two researchers. Three main themes emerged: (i) challenging moments of COVID‐19, during which the participants reported physical and psychological challenges relating to working conditions of the hospital in the initial months of the pandemic; (ii) the professional role as nurses, in where the participants dispelled their worries and demonstrated commitment to their role as nurses; and (iii) support for nurses, which originated from their family, friends and leaders from their organizations for them to persevere and overcome the unprecedented challenges of COVID‐19. The nurses in this study demonstrated resilience and professionalism despite the challenges of COVID‐19. The findings highlighted the importance of a robust support system for healthcare professionals.

Associations between the working experiences at frontline of COVID-19 pandemic and mental health of Korean public health doctors

“…These results are in accordance with cases of medical healthcare workers that demonstrated positive associations between the severity of perceived threat for COVID-19 or being at risk of contact with COVID-19 patients versus reports of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia [44,58,59]. Fear of contracting COVID-19 at work is associated with higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalization [45] and could be one of the most prominent distress for medical professionals with frequent contacts with COVID-positive patients [54,57,60]. Second, perceived stigma from family and friends (worries for possible transmission of infection through PHDs at frontline) and rejection from neighborhood [ex.…”

Portuguese Nurses’ Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Reduction Strategies during the COVID-19 Outbreak

“…A recent qualitative research study verified that support from family, friends, colleagues, organizations, and the public is crucial to promote nurses' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The same study suggests that institutions implement communication strategies between managers and nurses to promote the use of strategies to reduce stress and provide accurate information; provide support in basic daily needs; and promote psychosocial support, such as groups to express emotions [41]. Another recent study suggests psychoeducational interventions for nurses to promote coping strategies and reduce psychological symptomatology [15].…”

“…Thus, promoting resilience is crucial for nurses coping with work-related stress [44]. Furthermore, a strong support system is essential to promote resilience in nurses [41].…”

The Difficulties and Mental Health Intervention Need of Doctors and Nurses in Biological Emergencies: A Qualitative Study

“…The purpose of quarantine is to reduce the risk of infection, not to limit interpersonal contact, which will affect the mental health of doctors and nurses (19). Goh et al also found that nurses reported physical and psychological challenges relating to working conditions of the hospital in the initial months of the pandemic in Singapore (20).…”