Nursing students in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Background: Isolation as a public health practice encompasses physical and social separation of individuals from others, and it was key in preventing human-to-human spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus. Yet, experiences of patients in isolation have been mostly studied in the general population and qualified health professionals, excluding nursing students who were also part of the frontliners and therefore, part of the population at risk of infections.

Aim: The study explored how nursing students who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus have experienced the process of being in isolation and understanding their source of resilience.

Setting: Northeastern Namibia.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Data were collected from 14 nursing students via face-to-face and telephone interviews, while recruitment was conducted through purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Data were analysed by interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results: Five themes that emerged from data analysis are the physiological spectrum, psychosocial spectrum, the value of isolation, source of resilience and coping mechanisms and the impact of isolation.

Conclusion: Students experienced isolation as a period of reflecting on how their symptoms commenced and progressed from minor to major. Students’ sources of resilience and coping mechanisms were to remain opportunistic, learn new skills and lean on family support. Moreover, isolation negatively affected students’ academic life and human connectedness.

Contribution: The findings have implications in preparation for future pandemics, promoting the resilience and mental health of nursing students. Moreover, they may assist in developing a coordinated counselling and psychological support system for nursing students.