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An Exploratory Study on Non-Contact Nursing Experiences of Clinical Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 대유행 기간 중 임상 간호사의 비대면 간호 경험에 관한 탐색적 연구

  • Byun, Hye Min (College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Yun, Eun Kyoung (College of Nursing Science.East-West Nursing Research Institute, Kyung Hee University)
  • 변혜민 (경희대학교 간호과학대학) ;
  • 윤은경 (경희대학교 간호과학대학.동서간호학연구소)
  • Received : 2024.04.02
  • Accepted : 2024.06.17
  • Published : 2024.08.31

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the non-contact nursing experiences of clinical nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative research design applying thematic analysis was used. The participants were purposive sampled from three institutes: a tertiary hospital, a general hospital, and a residential treatment center in Seoul. Data were collected between December 2021 and January 2022 through individual in-depth interviews with 12 clinical nurses. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's method to identify the meaning of the participants' experiences. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fields where the participants performed non-contact nursing included intensive care units and isolation wards of hospitals, a residential treatment center, and home cares. Their tasks in non-contact nursing commonly involved remote monitoring using digital devices or equipment, consultation and education. From their experiences performing tasks in these fields, the four theme clusters and nine themes were derived. The four theme clusters are as follows: (1) Confusion of nursing role; (2) Conflict due to insufficient support system; (3) Concern about the quality of nursing; (4) Reflection on the establishment of nursing professionalism. Conclusion: This study highlights the necessity for institutionalizing professional nursing areas, nursing education, and practical support by clarifying the purpose and goals of non-contact nursing and developing nursing knowledge through frameworks.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (No. 2021R1F1A106318512) and the Government-wide R&D fund project for infectious disease research, Republic of Korea (No. HG22C0051).

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