'From Expert to Novice', Perceptions of General Ward Nurses on Deployment to Outbreak Intensive Care Units during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Aims and objectives This study aimed to explore the perceived preparedness and psychosocial well-being of general ward nurses prior to their deployment into the outbreak intensive care units (ICUs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background With the surge in COVID-19 cases requiring ICU care, non-ICU nurses maybe deployed into the ICUs. Having experienced through SARS, hospitals in Singapore instituted upskilling programs to secure general ward nurses' competency in providing critical care nursing. However, no studies have explored the perceptions of general ward nurses on deployment into the ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design Qualitative descriptive study. Methods The study was conducted at Singapore's epicentre of COVID-19 management. Five focus groups were conducted following purposive sampling of 30 general ward nurses identified for outbreak ICU deployment. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and data thematically analysed. This study was conducted and reported in accordance with the COREQ checklist. Results Three salient themes arose, exemplifying the transition from clinical experts in the general wards to practising novices in the outbreak ICUs. Firstly, 'Into the deep end of the pool' described general ward nurses' feelings of anxiety and stress associated with higher exposure risk and expanded responsibilities to nurse critically ill patients. Secondly, 'Preparing for "war"' illustrated deployed nurses' need for clear communication and essential critical care nursing training. Lastly, 'Call of duty' affirmed the nurses' personal and professional commitment to embrace this transition into the ICUs, and their desire for greater psychosocial support. Conclusion The study findings highlight that though general ward nurses perceived their impending ICU deployment positively, they require ongoing support to facilitate a smoother transition. Relevance to clinical practice Findings provided an evidence base to improve the preparedness of general ward nurses deployed into the ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic within key areas of training, information dissemination and psychosocial resilience.