The Psychological Experience of Frontline Nurses Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Frontline nurses caring for COVID-19 patients are easy to get viral infections because they are often exposed to infected patients. As the virus continues to spread, frontline nurses were faced with situations that can affect psychological readiness. This study was to explore the psychological aspects of frontline nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 frontline nurses providing care for COVID-19 patients at a referral hospital in Surabaya from August to October 2020. Interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone and analyzed with Colaizzi. Results: The results show that there are 3 main psychological themes for frontline nurses who treat COVID-19 patients. First, the emotions that appear in the begining stages consist of fear and anxiety about being infected and anxiety about the poor of knowledge about the disease and lack of information regarding the patient's condition are challenges that must be solved in the long term. Second, positive emotions appear progressively after negative emotions along with the ability to get used to the existing situation. Third, we find that nurses being able to take lessons and important values by increasing alertness, always being grateful, and thinking positively. Conclusion: We conclude that during the pandemic, the positive and negative emotions of frontline nurses are indirectly internalized into one. Frontline nurses are able to take lessons and interpret their primary roles Along with good emotional control, frontline nurses are able to take lessons and important values from the pandemic events they are facing.