“There is Always a New Normal” - Psychological Transformation of Nurses - A Postpandemic Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly diminished worldwide, but post-COVID-19 psychological experiences are rarely documented. Understanding the individual psychological needs and challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as resilience and psychological health in continuing work in its aftermath, is essential. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to explore the nurses’ perspectives on psychological resilience and confidence following the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological design and purposive sampling approach was employed. Registered nurses working at the largest health organization in Qatar, which includes 14 health facilities, were invited to participate in this study. Seventeen nurses who were working in the facilities and were deployed during the first, second, and third waves of COVID-19 participated in the interviews. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using the inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The psychological transformation of participants was summarized into three themes: Fear zone, learning zone, and growth zone. These themes were classified into 13 sub-themes. Fear and anxiety, influence of media and news, safety concerns, and frequent changes in policies and guidelines were the factors in the fear zone. Coping mechanisms, teamwork, establishing compassionate care, and social acceptance, helped them learn psychologically in the learning zone. Growth factors such as personal and professional benefits, confidence and resilience, a sense of satisfaction, and changed life perceptions were identified in the growth zone. CONCLUSION: Working during COVID-19 imposed many challenges on nurses, such as increased workload and stress. However, the different waves of the pandemic have contributed to increased resilience, confidence, and a deeper sense of life meaning in nurses. Their experiences in handling difficult situations during the pandemic have made them more confident in dealing with stressful situations and working under pressure.