Abstract
Purpose: To characterize the experience of providing nursing care amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A qualitative, phenomenology method was used. Data were collected via a confidential electronic survey.
Results: A total of 166 nurses completed the survey, of which 63 (37.9%) took care of a patient with COVID-19. Four themes (with subthemes) emerged from the survey data: It feels like a marathon that won't end; Take care of yourself or you cannot take care of anyone else effectively; I'm a nurse so I can take care of sick patients, however, it is harder to go to work now; and It is challenging not to be angry.
Conclusion: Nurses remain proud of their role as a nurse. However, the joy related to work faded as nurses fought against being angry with patients, visitors, and other clinicians who did not follow safety precautions, such as wearing masks, and social distancing. The perception of running a marathon illustrates the exhaustion nurses are experiencing.