Positive Experiences of Nurses Working During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction. The Covid-19 pandemic was a crisis situation that strained the health system. It carried a high risk of negative consequences, but there are also chances that some positive aspects will emerge, known as the post-traumatic growth phenomenon. Aim. The main aim of the study was to document and analyse the positive work experience of nursing staff in Poland gained in the period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Material and Methods. A qualitative study was conducted using the empirical phenomenological approach. The study involved a group of 215 nurses from different regions of Poland, including 209 women and 6 men aged between 22 and 65 years. They worked in hospital wards and in primary care. The study was carried out using an online survey method with subjects allowed to add comments. The results were subjected to content analysis. Results. During the analysis of the material, 10 thematic categories emerged, i.e. remuneration, professional development, team integration, epidemiological principles, adaptation to new conditions, lack of visits, assistance, improvement of work organisation, staff shortages and telemedicine. Conclusions. Based on the results of this study, it was indicated that nurses observe some positive experiences in relation to working during the pandemic. The results of this study can provide a starting point for further analyses that may be used to organise the work of nursing staff. (JNNN 2022;11(3):99–104)