The experiences of nurses infected with COVID‐19 in Wuhan, China: A qualitative study

Aim To understand about the experiences and feelings of the nurses infected with COVID‐19 when caring for patients with COVID‐19. Background With the sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), nurses take care of patients with COVID‐19 and have a very high risk of being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) themselves. Methods This study adopted a qualitative design of hermeneutic phenomenology. A purposeful sampling was used, and all data were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured telephone interviews then analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results The interview data generated 4 topics and 14 secondary topics. Four major themes were identified from this study, including ‘experiences of infection’, ‘health belief’, ‘social support’ and ‘the pursuit of self‐worth’. Conclusions Nurses infected by COVID‐19 experienced a physical and psychological shock. They had a strong sense of responsibility and willingness to take risks. Providing professional psychological counselling and physical rehabilitation services are crucial. Implications for Nursing Management This manuscript provides nursing managers an understanding of the personal experiences and needs of clinical nurses in their work, especially during COVID‐19. It is helpful for nursing managers to explore the greater driving force of nurses and prepare nursing human resources for greater challenges.