ABSTRACT
AIM: Aim of this study is to gain insight into how frontline nurses accepted and prepared themselves before COVID posting. METHODS: It is a qualitative and phenomenological study design. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted with the nurses who provided care to confirmed COVID 19 patients in a tertiary hospital of North India from September to November 2020. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were followed in this study. RESULTS: In this study, the reported experiences were divided into five main themes: (I) Getting ready to be at the frontlines (II) Family and peer support (III) I Can Handle it! (IV) I have to be Strong! (V) Training is key to confidence. The risk of infection, fear of being a source of infection to the family, the worry of staying away from family, uncertainty, and nervousness related to personal protective equipment were the most common thoughts that disturbed the participants. However, taking a good diet, practicing yoga and meditation, having a sense of serving their country and community, faith in God, family support, faith in the organization, and good training helped the participants to prepare for the COVID posting. CONCLUSION: Despite facing various challenges, the nurses showed great strength and resilience. To promote a resilient health system, supportive supervision and adequate administrative support, training and workshops, peer group support, counseling cells, and spiritual support may be considered.