Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/28858
Title: The context, contribution and consequences of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative exploration of executive nurses' perspectives.
Austin Authors: Riddell, Kathryn;Bignell, Laura;Bourne, Debra;Boyd, Leanne;Crowe, Shane;Cucanic, Sinéad;Flynn, Maria;Gillan, Kate;Heinjus, Denise;Mathieson, Jac;Nankervis, Katrina;Reed, Fiona;Townsend, Linda;Twomey, Bernadette;Weir-Phyland, Janet;Bagot, Kathleen
Affiliation: Nursing Research Institute, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia..
Austin Health
Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia..
Data Drawer Consulting, Sandringham, Victoria, Australia..
Victorian Metro Public Health Nursing and Midwifery Executive Group, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia..
Neonatal Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia..
Northern Health, Epping, Victoria, Australia..
Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia..
Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia..
Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia..
Royal Childrens's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia..
Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia..
Melbourne Health, RMH, Parkville, Victoria, Australia..
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia..
Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia..
Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria, Australia..
Mercy Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia..
Issue Date: Jul-2022
Date: 2022
Publication information: Journal of advanced nursing 2022; 78(7): 2214-2231
Abstract: To explore (1) the context in which nursing executives were working, (2) nursing's contribution to the healthcare response and (3) the impact from delivering healthcare in response to the pandemic. Retrospective, constructivist qualitative study. Individual interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted between 12 February and 29 March 2021. Participants were purposively sampled from the Victorian Metropolitan Executive Directors of Nursing and Midwifery Group, based in Melbourne, Victoria the epi-centre of COVID-19 in Australia during 2020. All members were invited; 14/16 executive-level nurse leaders were participated. Individual interviews were recorded with participant consent, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four inter-related themes (with sub-themes) were identified: (1) rapid, relentless action required (preparation insufficient, extensive information and communication flow, expanded working relationships, constant change, organizational barriers removed); (2) multi-faceted contribution (leadership activities, flexible work approach, knowledge development and dissemination, new models of care, workforce numbers); (3) unintended consequences (negative experiences, mix of emotions, difficult conditions, negative outcomes for executives and workforce) and (4) silver linings (expanded ways of working, new opportunities, strengthened clinical practice, deepened working relationships). Responding to the COIVD-19 health crisis required substantial effort, but historical and industrial limits on nursing practice were removed. With minimal information and constantly changing circumstances, nursing executives spearheaded change with leadership skills including a flexible approach, courageous decision-making and taking calculated risks. Opportunities for innovative work practices were taken, with nursing leading policy development and delivery of care models in new and established healthcare settings, supporting patient and staff safety. Nursing comprises the majority of the healthcare workforce, placing executive nurse leaders in a key role for healthcare responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing's contribution was multi-faceted, and advantages gained for nursing practice must be maintained and leveraged. Recommendations for how nursing can contribute to current and future widespread health emergencies are provided.
URI: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/28858
DOI: 10.1111/jan.15186
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2895-4327
Journal: Journal of advanced nursing
PubMed URL: 35170069
PubMed URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35170069/
Type: Journal Article
Subjects: COVID-19
nurses' role
nursing
nursing models
qualitative research
Appears in Collections:Journal articles

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