Browsing by Author "Volgraaff, Martha Etresia"

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    The experiences of critical care nurses working in the private sector, in the Western Cape, during the Covid-19 pandemic
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Volgraaff, Martha Etresia; Anthonie, Ramona; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Nursing & Midwifery.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020 with significant subsequent global disruptions, especially in the healthcare sector. During the pandemic there was an influx of critically ill patients and an increased demand for critical care beds resulting in a severe shortage of beds and skilled critical care nurses (CCNs). Furthermore, working conditions (physical, psychological) may have an impact on both staff and patients. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of critical care nurses working at private hospitals in the Western Cape during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study objectives were to: - Explore the experiences of CCNs working during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Describe critical care nurses’ experience of how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced caring for critical ill patients. - Describe the CCNs experiences of organisational management strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative design with an exploratory descriptive approach was applied. The target population included registered nurses employed at two private hospitals in the Western Cape. A sample size of 10 was drawn from a total population of 58 at the two participating hospitals. Purposive sampling was used. Data was obtained through individual interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide. A pilot interview was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, based on the objectives of the study. Findings from the pilot interview were included in the main study to avoid the loss of any information. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) steps for thematic data analysis. Trustworthiness of the study was assured by adherence to Lincoln and Guba’s criteria of credibility, confirmability, transferability and dependability. All ethical principles were met. Results: Six main themes emerged from the data analysis, i.e., critical care environment, managing human resources, staff planning and management, staff wellbeing, quality of patient care and surviving COVID-19: unexpected outcomes. The findings of this study demonstrated that CCNs were dissatisfied with their work environment in terms of staff and equipment shortages. The rapid increase in numbers and rapid deterioration of critically ill patients and subsequent high mortality rates impacted on patients and staff. Critical care nurses could not provide holistic care due to staff shortages. Exposure to the stressors prevailing during the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on CCNs’ physical and psychological health. While management provided certain resources, personal protective equipment (PPE) and staff, shortages of PPE and unfair allocation of staff were reported. Although a general lack of support from management was experienced, support from unit managers (UMs) and shift leaders was valued. Despite the challenges that the CCNs faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, respondents reported personal and professional growth during that time.