The Impact of Health Crisis on Nurses’ Lives: A Qualitative Exploration Using Van Manen’s Lifeworld

Ai Ling, Chen and Rekaya, Vincent Balang (2025) The Impact of Health Crisis on Nurses’ Lives: A Qualitative Exploration Using Van Manen’s Lifeworld. Malaysian Journal of Qualitative Research, 11 (2). pp. 203-217. ISSN 3009-0237

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Abstract

Nurse wellbeing is essential for sustaining effective healthcare, especially during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study used interpretive phenomenology to explore nurses’ lived experiences and perceptions of the pandemic’s impact on their professional and personal lives. Ten nurses from Sarawak General Hospital participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. From the findings, three key themes emerged: Adapting to Workplace Challenges, Strengthening Camaraderie in the Healthcare Environment, and Upholding Commitment and Professionalism. Nurses faced significant psychological strain due to role ambiguity and rapidly changing protocols, alongside physical exhaustion from extended shifts and personal protective equipment (PPE) demands. Collegial solidarity, family support, and empathetic leadership were crucial protective factors enhancing resilience. Intrinsic motivation grounded in cultural and spiritual values sustained nurses’ dedication despite systemic challenges such as hierarchical discrimination and unequal workload distribution. The findings were interpreted through Van Manen’s four lifeworld existentials: lived body, lived time, lived space, and lived other, providing a comprehensive understanding of the pandemic’s complex impact on nurses’ lived realities. In conclusion, the nurses in this study demonstrated resilience through adaptability, strong collegial bonds, and a profound sense of duty amid adversity. The study underscores the urgent need for organizational support via clear communication, flexible yet standardized protocols, ongoing training, equitable policies, and supportive leadership. Enhancing mental health resources and utilizing technology to maintain social connectivity are also essential. A holistic approach is critical to supporting nurses’ multidimensional wellbeing, thereby ensuring workforce sustainability and healthcare system resilience during current and future health emergencies.

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