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| author |
Donna E. DeAngelis Baird
| | title |
The Nature of Caring by Nurse Leaders in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic
| | abstract |
In early March 2020, the rapid outbreak of COVID-19 in New Jersey caused hundreds of people to become gravely ill. They filled hospital emergency rooms and ICUs. They lined up on stretchers in hallways and offices. Because there were no known medications or treatments, many died. Soon there were severe shortages of personnel, PPE, supplies, and equipment. Despite the risks, all hospital employees were expected to work every day. The majority were anxious, frightened and confused. Their nurse leaders (NLs) continued managing despite being stressed and exhausted. They seemed to have little time to for caring as they ran from one crisis to another. While caring is said to be essential to professional nursing practice, there is no single definition of caring in nursing. Caring takes time, compassion, and understanding to provide comfort, support, and appropriate interventions. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the nature of caring by NLs in the early COVID-19 pandemic. The hermeneutic phenomenological approach of van Manen informed this investigation. Six NLs participated in confidential, audio-recorded interviews. They responded to open-ended questions about their lived experiences of caring in the early pandemic. The recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through reading, deep reflection, writing ideas, and repeating until five themes emerged: (a) on the cusp, (b) protecting, (c) caring for, (d) going in blind, and (e) appreciation. Each theme has three subthemes that clarify and contribute to the overall meaning. An expressive narrative thematic text was created to introduce readers to the world of caring by NLs in the early COVID-19 pandemic. Although results of phenomenological studies are not generalizable, they provide valuable information. Disasters, infectious diseases, and violence are increasing everywhere. Hospitals and NLs must be ready to safely treat and care for people in need. Related recommendations include better and ongoing crisis leadership training, rapid training programs for nurses temporarily deployed to other specialties, relationship building for nurses and physicians, several related research topics, and importantly, assuring mental health support for NLs during and after traumatic events.
| | school |
The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, Drew University
| | degree |
D.M.H. (2025)
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| advisor |
Liana Piehler
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| committee |
Merel Visse
Alistair Niemeijer
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| full text | DBaird.pdf |
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