The Experience of Nursing Leadership in a Crisis: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study.

Freysteinson, Wyona M; Celia, Tania; Gilroy, Heidi; Gonzalez, Kimberly

AIM This study aimed to understand nursing leaders' experience during the pandemic. BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a public health crisis that affects every nation in the world. METHODS Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 28 leaders in a large healthcare system. Data was collected via semi-structured audiotaped interviews. Results were analyzed using hermeneutic phenomenology. RESULTS The structure in which leaders worked was described as: from the day-to-day grind to derailment, and from manning the hospital to manning the frontlines. Five phenomenological themes were: embodied leadership, navigating differently, trusting and earning trust, being the calm voice, and envisioning the future. CONCLUSION Disaster policies and procedures are needed that will alleviate leadership angst, maximize nursing resources, heighten trust, and enhance communications. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT In 2020, we witnessed a previously inconceivable media and public focus on the value of nursing care. Leaders can use this pivotal moment in time as a catalyst toward securing the support needed in planning for the next pandemic.