Lived Experiences of ICU Nurses Caring for Critically Ill Patients Infected with COVID-19: A Phenomenological Study in Thailand

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging disease that caused infections and a pandemic worldwide. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses played an important role in providing care for critically ill patients. Their experiences during the pandemic in Thailand were not well documented. This study explored the lived experiences of ICU nurses caring for critically ill patients infected with COVID-19 in Thailand. Methods: We conducted a qualitative, phenomenological study guided by Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics. Data were collected between December 2021 and March 2023 among fifteen ICU nurses at a university hospital. The partcipants drew pictures reflecting their experiences; they participated in in-depth interviews to explore stories behind the pictures and the participants’ experiences. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) Being a Hero in the COVID-19 War, in which nurses provided both physical and psychosocial care under difficult circumstances, often taking on responsibilities beyond their expected duties; (2) Feeling Frustrated in Life and Having No Place to Go, which reflected the psychological impact of caring for patients among inadequate resources, fear of infection, and societal stigma; and (3) Acknowledging Growing Up in the Nursing Profession, in which nurses acknowledged how the pandemic accelerated their professional development, thereby improving their technical skills and teamwork abilities. Conclusion: The results provided valuable insights into the resilience of ICU nurses and emphasize the significance of enhanced crisis preparedness. Authorities and policymakers should consider these findings when managing future crises in ICU. Keywords: COVID-19, Intensive care unit, Lived experience, Thailand