The current COVID-19 global pandemic has had a profound impact on the health care system and on the physical and psychological well-being of nurses. Previous pandemics have led to nurses leaving the profession. Therefore, it is important that we hear the voices of nurses who experienced the pandemic on the frontlines to influence future planning and policy development. The purpose of this study was to explore frontline nurses’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic through photos, narratives, and group discussions. Twelve nurses in two groups shared their lived experiences through Photovoice, a participatory action approach. Photos and narratives were collected over five weeks per group. One group at the beginning of the pandemic and the other group six months later. Focus group discussions were held following each group. Five themes emerged from the photovoice data: (1) The work of nursing; (2) Miscommunication; (3) Fatigue; (4) Resilience; and (5) Hope for the future. Various subthemes were noted within each theme to delineate the lived experience of frontlines nurses working in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presented at the Research Cafe, September 23, 2021. During the current COVID-19 global pandemic, health care systems worldwide work tirelessly to meet the needs of citizens in their communities. Nurses, as the largest number of health care providers, are committed to the prevention and treatment of disease in communities. During a pandemic, it is essential that nurses be involved in shaping policy and developing strategies for global pandemic preparedness. The purpose of this study is to provide an opportunity for nurses to discuss the occupational and social issues that impact their lives and their nursing practice. The aim is to strengthen health systems by sharing and making transparent the experiences of nurses. Our study asked: “What is the lived experience of front-line nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic as told by nurses through photos?” Using photovoice, a participatory action approach, we collected photographs and reflections from 12 nurses that represent front-line experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The five themes that emerged included: The work of nursing; miscommunication, fatigue, resilience, and hope for the future. Using powerful images and narratives, nurses can advocate for system and policy changes that will influence patient care and the health care system. Participants are encouraged to use the results to lobby at the provincial level and affect policy change in British Columbia. <p>Related website https://www.nursephotovoice.com/nurses-voices </p> <p>Related material https://www.nnpbc.com/pdfs/policy-and-advocacy/covid/Capturing-Nurses-Experiences-during-COVID-19-Pandemic-using-Photovoice.pdf </p>
