Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the views and perceptions of nurses, who provide care to COVID-19 patients, on COVID-19 nursing. Methods: This study was conducted with a descriptive qualitative research design. The population of the study consisted of nurses who had worked and are working in the COVID-19 wards of the Gazi University Health, Research and Application Center. The sample have consisted of 116 nurses who agreed to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected using a Nurse Information Form and the metaphor perception of being a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nurses’ responses to the open-ended metaphor questions were systematically evaluated in the data system using content analysis. The study was structured and reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Checklist. Results: The majority of nurses (88.2%) were female and had a bachelor’s degree (85.4 %). While nearly half of the nurses worked at COVID-19 wards for 1 to 5 months, 40% worked in the profession for 1 to 5 years. As a result of the nurses’ answers, it was determined that a total of six categories and 89 metaphors were established in the study. These categories and some important metaphors are listed as uncertainty (bridge, candle), hope (shadow, mother), guardianship (atom), self-sacrifice (organ, artificial lung), vital importance (worker bee, white blood cells), and COVID-19 nurse as a warrior (diving without scuba gear, fluttering in the swamp). Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that the nurses playded a key role during the pandemic period. It was observed that the nurses were generally hopeful during this period, but they thought that the process was uncertain.Based on the results of the study, it can be suggested to make planing to protect and maintain the psychosocial health of nurses, and to increase emotional support.

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