Intraoperative Nursing Care for COVID-19 Patients: Lived Experiences of Operating Room Nurses Amidst the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, exposing healthcare workers to high stress and risk levels. Intraoperative nurses, who work in high-stress environments, have been particularly affected by the pandemic. This qualitative research aimed to explore the lived experiences of intraoperative nurses amidst the pandemic. This study employed the qualitative descriptive-phenomenological design. Seven OR nurses were purposefully chosen to participate in the in-depth face-to-face interview, while seven OR nurses participated in the focus group discussion via the Zoom platform. Utilizing Collaizzi’s method of data analysis revealed that OR nurses’ experiences during intraoperative care to their patients include the themes: Fighting the Unseen Enemy, Dreading Contamination, Adhering to Safety Protocol, Preparing Oneself, and Struggling with PPEs. The OR nurses’ coping methods were contained in the themes: Emerging Triumphant, Teamwork makes the Dream Work, Positive Mindset, Holistic Support, and Adaptive Strategies. The themes Towards Sustainability, Opportunity for Teamwork, Addressing Structural Improvement, and Call for Manpower Maximization were the insights the OR nurses shared with their fellow nurses and the nursing practice in general. Further efforts must continue to discover how to improve safety and work conditions for OR nurses handling COVID-19 patients.