Phenomenological Studies: Experiences and Responses of Public Hospital Nurses to the Coronavirus Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally, particularly to healthcare workers, with nurses being at the frontline of patient care. In Malaysia, public hospital nurses were tasked with managing the surge in COVID-19 cases, placing them under significant physical, emotional, and professional strain. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences and responses of 27 public hospital nurses who directly managed COVID-19 patients. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, with thematic analysis employed to identify key patterns and themes in the responses. The findings reveal three primary themes: emotional responses to the pandemic, challenges in caregiving, and coping strategies. The nurses reported significant fear and anxiety, particularly concerning the risks to their health and the potential to transmit the virus to their families. Despite these fears, they also demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to their professional roles. Challenges in caregiving, including resource shortages such as inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators, were also highlighted. Nurses also relied heavily on teamwork and personal coping strategies, such as prayer and family support, to manage the emotional toll of the crisis. These findings underscore the duality of fear and resilience among nurses and highlight the need for enhanced mental health support, adequate resources, and improved crisis preparedness in healthcare systems to better support frontline workers during future health emergencies.