ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of front-line nurses combating the coronavirus disease-2019 epidemic. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Fifteen front-line nurses caring for COVID-19 patients were recruited from two hospitals in Wuhan, China from January 26 to February 5, 2020. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using standard qualitative methods. RESULTS: Four theme categories emerged from the data analysis: (a) "Facing tremendous new challenges and danger"; (b) "Strong pressure because of fear of infection, exhaustion by heavy workloads and stress of nursing seriously ill COVID-19 patients"; (c) "Strong sense of duty and identity as a healthcare provider"; (d) "Rational understanding of the epidemic-the nurses believed that the epidemic would soon be overcome and would like to receive disaster rescue training." CONCLUSIONS: Although the intensive rescue work drained front-line nurses, both physically and emotionally, they showed a spirit of dedication and felt a responsibility to overcome this epidemic. Their experiences provide useful insights into implementing a safer public health emergency rescue system in preparation for future outbreaks of infectious diseases. Specifically, psychological support and humanistic care should be provided to front-line nurses to maintain their well-being, and nationwide emergency rescue training and disaster education should be implemented.