Life Experiences of Nurses Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 is a disease that causes many people to get sick and die. Nurses were diagnosed with COVID-19 disease, and some nurses also died from this disease. The aim of this study is to examine the life experiences of nurses diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: This research was conducted with the qualitative research method. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview form using the in-depth interview technique. The study was conducted with 22 people until the data repeat occurred. Seven categories were determined as a result of the analysis of this research. Results: These categories are as follows Changes in your life after being infected with the disease, changes in working life, perspective on the disease, strategy to cope with the epidemic, contamination status, attitude of the environment and post-illness symptoms. Conclusion: It has been found that nurses take more preventive measures after the illness, take the disease more seriously, follow the mask rule, distance rule and hygiene rules more, and are exposed to stigma by the society due to their profession.