Qualitative research on nurses’ experience in the event of sudden transfer to the COVID-19 patient care department

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant challenges worldwide, especially for healthcare systems. The rapid redeployment of nursing staff to COVID-19 care units introduced numerous psychological, organizational, and professional obstacles. Understanding these experiences is crucial for improving future healthcare management during emergencies. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the emotional, professional, and organizational challenges faced by nurses redeployed to COVID-19 care units, identify key issues and opportunities, and provide recommendations to improve nursing management during similar crises. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with eight nurses and nursing technicians without prior experience in infectious disease care. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify themes and patterns. Results: Redeployment elicited mixed emotional responses, including fear, stress, and uncertainty, as well as professional growth and resilience. A lack of formal training and organizational preparedness contributed to heightened anxiety. Participants emphasized the importance of peer support, effective communication, and tailored training for adapting to new roles. Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by nursing staff during redeployment to COVID-19 care units. Recommendations include implementing structured pre-deployment training, enhancing mental health support, and improving organizational strategies to better prepare healthcare systems for future crises.