Post-traumatic growth among emergency nurses after COVID-19 in Shanghai, China: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the post-traumatic growth of emergency nurses (ENs) in Shanghai, China, in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

A phenomenological qualitative research approach was employed, with 17 ENs being interviewed between July and August 2022. Data collection was conducted through semistructured, in-depth interviews, and data analysis was carried out using the Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.

SETTING

A third-level hospital in Shanghai.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 17 ENs were interviewed through face-to-face, semistructured, in-depth interviews.

RESULTS

Three main themes and eight subthemes were extracted from the data: (a) stress, (b) restructuring and (c) growth.

CONCLUSION

Significant stress was imposed on ENs by the Shanghai COVID-19 pandemic, but cognitive restructuring was successfully undergone by them, leading to the experience of growth. It is recommended that post-traumatic growth levels be enhanced through professional psychological counselling and tailored support measures for different stages.

Promotion factors of emergency nurses' post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Since March 2022, Shanghai, China, has experienced a severe wave of SARS-CoV-2 transmission caused by the Omicron variant strain. The pandemic has severely constrained the local healthcare system. After treating critically ill COVID-19 patients, emergency nurses may experience some positive changes due to new insights or gains in their work, even if they have had traumatic experiences. This study aimed to explore the promoting factors of emergency nurses' post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai. We hoped to provide a new perspective and theoretical basis for intervening in and promoting the psychological rehabilitation of medical staff after traumatic circumstances.

METHODS

This study employed a qualitative design based on the phenomenological approach. 18 participants from the emergency department of a third-level class-A hospital in Shanghai who participated in treating COVID-19 patients were enrolled using purposive sampling. Data collection was through in-depth and semi-structured interviews and continued until reaching data saturation. The seven-step Colaizzi process was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The investigation uncovered two themes and six subthemes. Internal factors contained self-affirmation, deliberate rumination, and cognitive restructuring, which constituted attitudes and behaviours that participants could subjectively determine. External factors included social support, transformational leadership, and role modelling, which constituted factors influenced by others or the environment.

CONCLUSIONS

The promoting factors of PTG of emergency nurses originated from different sources such as individuals, organizations, and society. In addition to good psychological adjustment of the individual, society, hospitals, and nursing managers should focus on establishing supportive PTG strategies. The ultimate purpose is to improve the retention rate and career growth of nurses.