Date of Conferral

4-9-2024

Date of Award

April 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Nursing

Advisor

Janice Long

Abstract

The destructive effects of the trauma experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic left nurses with long-term psychological and physical effects that impaired their ability to effectively care for their patients, their families, and themselves. Although researchers have described the nurses’ experiences using generalized psychological and physiological trauma-related symptomatology, none have grounded their studies within the context of trauma theory. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the lived experience of nurses caring for critically ill COVID-19 patients during the pandemic through the lens of trauma theory. The constructivist self-development theory (CSDT) provided the framework for understanding the underpinnings of trauma and how trauma affects an individual’s ability to interpret and respond to traumatic events. Data were collected using semistructured, open-ended interviews from a purposive sample of 11 nurses who cared for critically ill COVID-19 patients in a hospital setting during the pandemic surge. Thematic analysis was employed to identify four themes that emerged and which aligned with the CSDT: (a) blurred lines of demarcation and shifting care environments; (b) I couldn’t be the nurse I wanted to be; (c) a chaotic, apocalyptic, horrific warzone; and (d) escaping the experiences of COVID-19 nursing. This study provided an understanding of the complexity of trauma’s impact on nurse's lived experiences and may promote positive social change as trauma informed interventions are implemented. Future studies should target the development of trauma-informed interventions to prepare and support nurses during mass trauma events and curtail the high attrition rates in the nursing profession.

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