"Understanding COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitance Among Registered Nurses" by Lucille Fenelon

Date of Conferral

1-17-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Nursing

Advisor

Sophia Brown

Abstract

The development of the COVID-19 vaccine, while hailed as a groundbreaking scientific achievement, also brought to light a discernible hesitance from registered nurses (RNs) regarding the vaccination. While extensive research has delved into the broader phenomenon of vaccination hesitancy, there remains a notable gap in comprehensively examining the specific lived experiences of RNs in relation to this hesitancy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of RNs contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitance within the context of the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and Roy’s adaptation model. TRA helped to guide this study in identifying the lived experience and meaning associated with COVID-19 vaccination hesitance among RNs. RAM complemented TRA in that the framework acknowledges that RNs are not separate from their environment and that this interrelatedness is reflected in attitude, experience, and intent toward a behavior. Through semistructured interviews, 10 participants were engaged in dialogue that resulted in the emergence of four major themes: (a) loss of autonomy, (b) concerns with safety, (c) confusion related to practices, and (d) varying forms of isolation. The insights from this research offer a foundation for positive social change and a call to action for healthcare leaders to understand better the complexities surrounding vaccine hesitancy, the unconscious biases exhibited, and how this impacts vaccine acceptance and contributes to maladaptive behaviors. Future research should include exploring specific demographics and professional factors. Additional investigation can explore a study of similar context but with a quantitative design to further enrich future discussions.

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