Abstract

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of nurses during Covid-19
pandemic in a tertiary hospital in the City of Roxas City. It utilized a qualitative research
design employing the descriptive phenomenological approach. The key informants were
ten (10) purposively identified nurses who were employed at a tertiary hospital. Semi-
structured interview guide was used to extract information from the participants through
online meeting after the informed consent was given. Conversations were audio-recorded
and transcribed until data saturation was reached. Deductive coding was developed to
guide the researchers through the coding process. Thematic analysis was used to analyze
and interpret data. There were ____ formulated meanings identified and four themes
emerged from this study which include Muddle through strife, Powerlessness, Resilience
and Noble Mission. The nurses experienced negative emotions, frustrations and stress
which all stemmed from the Covid-19 pandemic. The daily work activities of nurses have
constantly changed. The great need to protect themselves through the use of personal
protective equipment has provided them both sense of security but challenges as well.
The workloads have tremendously increased and the sudden shift of schedules and areas
added to the challenging roles of nurses. Despite the existing pitfalls of Covid-19
pandemic, nurses are able to cope with numerous challenges and showed resilience and
willingness to work amidst the pandemic. Considering that nurses constitute majority of
the healthcare providers, they play a major role in the health care system. Just as Covid-
19 pandemic appeared, the nurses were critically challenged in managing their daily work
activities and how they would be able to combat the demands in the field of nursing. In
spite of these, the nurses emerged as strong individuals showing their resilience towards
the adversity this pandemic has brought. Nurses have shown that theirs is the most noble
mission and without them who would provide care to the sick both Covid and Non-Covid
patients.