“Patient dignity can be ensured by providing adequate health care”: A phenomenological analysis on survival strategies of military nurses

Abstract

Background

The devastating COVID-19 outbreak has considerably influenced basic human healthcare needs. Due to healthcare organizational limitations, workload, and a shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly military nurses in developing countries, faced critical situations in dealing with COVID-19 patients. However, little is known about the survival strategies military nurses used while caring for coronavirus-infected patients.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the survival strategies that inspired military nurses to manage COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh.

Methods

This study employed the phenomenology of practice framework developed by Max van Manen. Fourteen military nurses were purposefully selected to participate in this study. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted individually from January to February 2023 in three divisional (Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet) COVID-19 dedicated military hospitals in Bangladesh. The study was reported using the COREQ checklist. Audio-video sessions of discussions were recorded, analyzed, and transcribed verbatim. Dataset analysis was performed using thematic analysis.

Results

Eight themes were developed: (i) Nurses' self-strategies; (ii) colleagues' strategies; (iii) Nurse managers' strategies; (iv) Feelings about nursing ethical values; (v) Employers' strategies; (vi) Government strategies; (vii) Family members' strategies; (viii) Strategies of social people.

Conclusions

The study's findings would inspire healthcare professionals to use various survival strategies when facing critical clinical situations. Additionally, this study encourages nurses to develop survival skills to avoid depression, fear, and anxiety and to learn how to deal with work-related stress situations.

Highlights

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  Nurses consciously avoided negativity and actively sought positive perspectives to alleviate stress and maintain an optimistic mindset.

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  Nurses assisted their colleagues, creating a collaborative environment where knowledge and resources were shared.

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  Nurses consistently embrace essential nursing ethical values, treating patients with respect, compassion, and empathy.

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  Employers actively sought feedback from healthcare workers to improve the quality of services and promote open communication.

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  Family members became a source of strength and motivation, reminding nurses of the importance of their work and the positive impact they were making.