The experience of nurses worked at the covid-19 unit in intermediate hospital Oshakati, Oshana region, Namibia
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Date
2024
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is the world’s most significant public health
emergency. Nurses, essential members of the COVID-19 patient care team, are facing
the majority of the problems brought on by the disease. To enhance the quality of care
provided to COVID-19 patients, this study explored the experience of nurses who
worked at the COVID-19 unit in Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, Oshana Region,
Namibia. The study employed an exploratory and descriptive research design with a
qualitative approach to the population of thirty-five nurses who worked at the COVID 19 unit in Intermediate Hospital Oshakati during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive
sampling was used to select eight participants for data saturation. A semi-structured
interview was used for data collection, and a tape recorder was utilized to capture the
data. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis using the six steps proposed by
Creswell (2014). Findings were presented in themes and subthemes for better
comprehension. Ethical considerations were observed, such as approval, the principle
of justice, confidentiality, privacy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. The analysis of
the data revealed four themes and fourteen subthemes: A) positive experiences
(learning, patient treatment and recovery, and patient management); B) negative
experiences (worry and fear of death of patients, trauma development, and
socialization experiences); C) lack of equipment, staff shortage, and challenges with
communication with family; and D) psychological support, increase in supply of
equipment, and increase in staff members. The study concludes that nurses who
participated in this study had both negative and positive experiences and faced
challenges. Recommendations include that health officials and hospital management
should pay special attention to the challenges and needs of the nurses. They should act
as advocates, ensuring that government and healthcare administrators provide nurses
who provided care such as favorable working conditions, sufficient funding, and the
motivation to carry out their duties skillfully and effectively
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of public health
Keywords
COVID-19, COVID-19 unit, Experiences, Nurse, Nursing care, Pandemic