Exploring the Experience of Black Nurses Practicing during COVID-19: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Kashica J. Webber-Ritchey, Roxanne Spurlark, Saria Lofton, Eric Brown, Christina Lattner, Gilliane Nwafor, Tiffany N. Ponder, Shannon D. Simonovic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Black communities. Black nurses are on the front lines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the lived experience of Black nurses practicing during COVID-19. Using a qualitative descriptive design, this study describes the experiences of Black nurses practicing during COVID-19. From May 2020 to September 2020, 100 nurses across the United States practicing during COVID-19 participated in semi-structured interviews. We analyze the data from qualitative interviews with Black nurses (n=20) that were collected as part of the larger qualitative study. Thematic analysis was used and revealed the presence and absence of social support as the main theme and related subthemes of emotional support, appraisal support, informational support, and instrumental support. Black nurses practicing during COVID-19 are experiencing a significant amount of stress while simultaneously working in challenging work environments. Identifying how to optimize their health and well-being is paramount.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)76-86
Number of pages11
JournalABNFF Journal
Volume1
Issue number3
StatePublished - Dec 1 2022

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