Caring in the New Normal: The Lived Experiences of Nurse Frontliners in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly altered the conditions under which nurses delivered care, placing them at the intersection of infection risk, isolation, family concern, and rapidly changing clinical protocols. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of six nurse frontliners working in the Philippines and abroad while caring for patients during the pandemic. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed using an in-depth guide. Data were analyzed through a selective phenomenological approach informed by Van Manen, with significant statements clustered into shared meanings. Five themes emerged: living with fear and threat; caring behind barriers; adapting and coping in the new normal; professional growth and resilient caring; and calling for stronger systems of support. Participants described fear of infection, heavy workloads, PPE-related strain, altered therapeutic presence, reliance on faith and relationships, and growth in confidence and compassion. They also emphasized staffing, compensation, preparedness, training, and protective resources. The findings underscore that resilient caring depends on both personal adaptation and supportive health systems.