J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2021 Dec;27(3):221-232. 10.22650/JKCNR.2021.27.3.221.

The Work Experiences of Emergency Room Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Hyeon YH
• Chae YH

• KMID: 2523807
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2021.27.3.221

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore emergency room nurse's work experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Data were collected from 15 registered nurses working in the emergency room between October, 10th and December 15th, 2020, through focus group interviews and in depth interviews. Collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.
Results
The study derived four categories and eight themes. The four categories are ‘sense of cringing with fear’, ‘nursing in chaotic situation’, ‘lonely struggles’, and ‘career growth as a nurse’. Emergency room nurses experienced fear and confusion in the COVID-19 pandemic, but overcame the crisis and had positive experiences of professional growth as a nurse.
Conclusion
To protect emergency room nurses from infectious disease and improve their professional quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic appropriate education and healthcare resource should be provided. It is necessary to reflect clinical worker's opinions and improve the delivery system of guideline to reduce confusion in the field and develop practical infectious disease control guideline. Furthermore, better working conditions, appropriate rewards and social and mental support should be provided for nurses in emergency room.

Keyword

COVID-19; Emergency Department; Nurses; Qualitative Research