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Exploring the experiences of nurses working in the outdoor COVID-19 testing clinics: a qualitative descriptive study

  • Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim: To understand the experiences of nurses working in outdoor COVID-19 testing clinics. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in the practices of nurses across healthcare settings. This challenge meant responding to working in completely new environments, such as the COVID-19 testing clinics and undertaking work practices never experienced before. Design: A qualitative descriptive design. Methods: Semistructured interviews with 11 nurses recruited and deployed to work in outdoor COVID-19 testing clinics across a Local Health District in Australia. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's guide for thematic analysis. Findings: Six themes were identified from the data: connection to being a nurse in response to the pandemic; the journey working in the clinic; fear of taking COVID-19 home; the influence of the media on personal and professional lives; responding to the community; and becoming one, developing the team. Conclusions: This study shows how responsive and adaptive nurses can be in times of crisis. Despite the fear of facing the unknown, nurses from an array of backgrounds very quickly established clear roles and team cohesiveness to respond to the needs of the community.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)18-25
Number of pages8
JournalCollegian
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Crisis
  • Nurses
  • Pandemic
  • Teamwork
  • Testing clinics

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