ICU nurses’ experiences in managing COVID-19 patients: insights into physical well-being and coping mechanisms

Mohamed Ludin, Salizar and Ab Razak, Liyana Syatirah (2025) ICU nurses’ experiences in managing COVID-19 patients: insights into physical well-being and coping mechanisms. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21 (Supp 6). pp. 43-50. ISSN 1675-8544 E-ISSN 2636-9346

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (215kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, with its rapid spread and increasing case and death rates, has significantly impacted the physical well-being of nurses working in intensive care units. This study explores the ICU nurses experience, highlighting on physical well-being and coping strategies while caring for Covid-10 patients during pandemic. Materials and Methods: Eight ICU nurses from Hospital Ampang, Selangor, participated in semi-structured interviews. A qualitative approach, utilizing Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis, was employed to analyse the data. Results: Three major themes emerged: 1) the physical consequences experienced by nurses, 2) limitations related to personal protective equipment and human resources, and 3) coping mechanisms employed by nurses. The pandemic negatively impacted nurses’ physical well-being, leading to fatigue, increased workload, weight loss, dehydration, improper sleep patterns, headaches, eczema, and time constraints. Prolonged use of PPE caused feelings of suffocation and discomfort. To adapt to these challenges, nurses utilized various coping mechanisms, including physiological, social, and spiritual support systems. Conclusion and recommendations: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the physical well-being of ICU nurses, particularly due to physical consequences, staffing shortages, and PPE challenges. However, nurses demonstrated resilience by employing diverse coping strategies. To mitigate these challenges, healthcare institutions should prioritize adequate staffing levels and implement educational programs focused on enhancing nurses’ well-being. Future research could further investigate the long-term impact of these physical consequences on nurses’ overall health and well-being.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Covid-19, ICU nurses, physical well-being, coping mechanism, nurses’ experience.
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT82 Nursing As A Profession R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT86.3 Nurse and patient R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT89 Specialities in nursing
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Critical Care Nursing
Depositing User:	DR Salizar Mohamed Ludin
Date Deposited:	14 Aug 2025 08:19
Last Modified:	14 Aug 2025 08:19
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122652

Actions (login required)

View Item