Burnout as a Consequence of Unavoidable Care Provision; Iranian Nurses’ Experiences While Caring for Patients with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Nurses faced serious challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exploring nurses’ experiences in caring for patients with COVID-19 can help address their challenges and improve the quality of care provided to patients. This study aimed to explore the burnout experienced by Iranian nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in Sirjan. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2020 using the conventional content analysis method. Granheim and Landman’s approach was used for data analysis. Ten nurses providing care to patients with COVID-19 were selected through purposeful sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semistructured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA software. Results: Data analysis revealed ten primary categories, three subcategories, and one theme (burnout as a consequence of unavoidable care provision) extracted from the data analysis. Conclusions: The COVID-19 outbreak and its challenges had a significant impact on nurses’ mental health. Nurses were constantly concerned about their patients, their families, and their own well-being. A shortage of staff, equipment, and safe working conditions, along with organizational pressures, led to emotional exhaustion. Nurses also felt isolated due to negative reactions from their families, colleagues, and patients’ families. These stressors had a cumulative effect, resulting in burnout that must be addressed by healthcare authorities to ensure the well-being of nurses and improve the quality of care provided.