The Experience of Being a Full-Time Academic Nurse Educator During the COVID-19 Pandemic

AIM The aim of this study was to uncover the experience of being a full-time academic nurse educator (ANE) in a baccalaureate or higher degree nursing program during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND In 2020, ANEs who were teaching in clinical and classroom settings, conducting in-person research, and engaging in service were suddenly required to work under new COVID-19-induced conditions. METHOD A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used for the study. Personal interviews and a demographic questionnaire were utilized to collect data. RESULTS Fourteen ANEs participated. Five themes were uncovered through data analysis: riding a rollercoaster, figuring it out, giving and getting help, seeing silver linings, and feeling loss. CONCLUSION This study uncovered the experience of being an ANE during the pandemic. The findings inform strategies to enhance working conditions for current and future ANEs during the remainder of the pandemic and in post-COVID-19 nursing education.