Nursing during the COVID-19 outbreak: A phenomenological study

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of Italian nurses engaged in caring for patients with COVID-19. Background: COVID-19 found the health care world unprepared to face an emergency of such magnitude. Italy was one of the most affected European countries, with more than 250,000 cases. Understanding the impact of events of this magnitude on nurses provides a framework of knowledge on which educational training could be based to face similar situations in the future to prevent further breakdown. Methods: The hermeneutic approach by Cohen was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a voice-over Internet protocol. Interviews were transcribed, read in depth and analysed. Results: Twenty nurses were interviewed. Four themes were extracted: uncertainty and fear, alteration of perceptions of time and space, change in the meaning of ‘to care’ and changes in roles and relationships. Conclusions: Psychological support in association with emergency training prevents stress and helps tackle compassion fatigue. Implications for nursing management: Policies to improve nursing science should be developed to ensure better quality of care, a higher number of professionals and, consequently, an increase in the safety of patients.