Nurses' spiritual well-being and the COVID-19 pandemic: A thematic approach

Abstract

Aims: This study explores nurses' perceived spiritual well-being in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Nurses have been working heavy shifts under challenging workplace conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to anxiety and psychological stress. These various challenges at work place their spiritual well-being at risk.

Methods: An unstructured individual online interview was conducted to collect data from 18 nurses from April to August 2021. Data were analysed using the thematic approach.

Results: This study highlighted the four themes of spiritual well-being of nurses, namely, "Trust in God," "spiritual encouragement," "spiritual attributes in the workplace," and "spiritual growth."

Conclusions: The study concludes that spirituality is critical in helping nurses overcome the myriad of adversities they face as they assume their important roles during the ongoing pandemic.

Implication for nursing management: The study emphasizes that nurses' spiritual aspect during crises is equally important with the other aspects of a nurse's life. Moreover, policies and interventions in hospitals must be implemented to ensure excellent levels of spiritual well-being among nurses.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; nurses; nursing practice; qualitative study; spiritual well-being; thematic approach.