Browsing by Author "McGhan, Gwen Evelyn"

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    What are the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on nurses’ emotional labour in the hemodialysis workplace?
    (2024-10-16) Saleem, Moomna; McGhan, Gwen Evelyn; Jackson, Jennifer; Venturato, Lorraine
    In an effort to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19), nurses were required to socially distance from their patients and use personal protective equipment (PPE). The proximity of nurses and their patients meant that COVID-19 restrictions have impacted the nurse-patient interactions and how nurses perform emotional labour. Most of the research conducted on emotional labour in the nursing profession has been performed in acute care settings; however, there are no known studies that explore the emotional labour of nurses in hemodialysis, where nurses and patients have repeated interactions. In addition, how the COVID-19 restrictions impacted these relationships is also unknown. To examine the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on nurses’ emotional labour in the hemodialysis workplace, the qualitative methodology of interpretive description was used. Hemodialysis nurses who provided direct patient care in Canada were invited to participate in an online interview. Zoom interviews were conducted (n=6) to explore and understand nurses’ experiences of emotional labour with COVID-19 restrictions in hemodialysis. The results of the interviews suggest that relationships in hemodialysis are casual and friendly. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, continuous face masking and social distancing presented as physical barriers to developing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship. Nurses attempted various techniques to overcome the challenges that physical barriers created by trial-and-error. Practice experience and exposure to physical barriers, such as face masks and social distance, contributed to the development of confidence. Extensive work experience allowed nurses to feel more confident in their practice and ability to deal with challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the study’s results, policy makers and healthcare system leaders can help ease the challenges faced by hemodialysis nurses. They can provide additional education and training for nurses on techniques and strategies to help overcome the challenges posed by physical barriers mandated during a public health emergency. This will allow nurses to learn from each other’s practice experience to overcome challenges in building therapeutic relationships.