Challenges faced by nurses while caring for COVID-19 patients: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: In the COVID-19 crisis, nurses are directly involved in patient care, so they face many challenges. This study was performed to determine the challenges faced by nurses while caring for COVID-19 patients in Iran in 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative, content analysis was conducted in Iran on ten nurses directly involved in the fight against the corona epidemic, selected through a purposeful sampling strategy. Data were collected through deep interviews consisting of open questions. All the interviews were recorded, and immediately after each interview, it was transcribed into written form. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software. RESULTS: All the challenges could be classified into three main categories and 17 subcategories. The main categories were miss-management in controlling corona conditions, mental and physical complications and challenges in corona work conditions, and lack of sufficient workforce. CONCLUSION: Hospital managers and authorities play a significant role in meeting the financial needs and requirements of nurses, and can minimize the job discrimination prevalent at medical centers through providing financial and nonfinancial incentives for nurses. Moreover, the findings of the present study can help hospital managers and authorities to gain a better understanding of the experiences of nurses, and to take the necessary measures to obviate the challenges faced by nurses in public health emergencies.