An exploratory study of the lived experiences of nurses who cared for patients with COVID-19 at a regional hospital in Mbombela local municipality, Mpumalanga province.
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Date
2025
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Nurses played an important role in providing first aid care and serving as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of nurses who cared for patients with COVID-19 at a rural South African hospital. It used a qualitative descriptive research design. Twenty research participants were selected to participate in the study. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data from the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Ethical approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape. Each participant’s written informed consent was obtained. Four keys themes emerged from the study. First, the nurses shared their journey into nursing, with most of them reporting that they pursued the career out of a desire to help others and due to limited career opportunities. Second, the study found that nurses had a fear of contracting COVID-19 and transmitting the virus to their loved ones; they also reported that they experienced fear of community ostracism. Third, the study delved into the impact of the work environment on nurses’ well-being, with most of them reporting experiencing burnout, long working hours and poor working environment. Finally, the study also examined the coping mechanisms used by the nurses and identified collegial support, religious support and avoidant coping.
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Keywords
COVID-19, nursing, healthcare, lived experience, nurses