The Hatchlings’ Tale: Lived Experiences of Benguet State University Advanced Beginner Nurses Batch 2019 Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic/

Abstract

The unexpected emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused chaos as it spread across different countries, especially to the healthcare sector. This brought the need for rapid deployment of nurses that reached the Advanced Beginner Nurses (ABNs). It was specifically aimed to explore the lived experiences of the ABNs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was used to delve into the lived experiences of the ABNs. Participants were chosen using a set criterion, and were given an informed consent. Data were gathered through interviews and were analyzed with the use of Colaizzi’s 7 steps of data analysis. Following the criteria, we were able to interview 14 participants and 1 negative case. As we explored their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the following broad domains were identified: “Hatchlings Towards the Water”, “Swimming in Toxic Waters”, “Shell Care”, and “A Place in the Waters”. Based on the findings, the following inferences were drawn: (1) ABNs became confident in the nursing practice because of the knowledge and skills they have incurred from their collegiate days. However, fear and anxiety are present as they work in an unfamiliar environment. These were eased by the orientation and preceptorship provided by the hospital as it created a foundation for their entire career. (2) Facing different challenges is part of a transition of being a student nurse to a staff nurse. But amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges were heightened and were more overwhelming. (3) ABNs have different ways in coping with their challenges physically, spiritually, and socially. (4) Through the challenges encountered by the ABNs, they were able to realize that being a nurse is not just a profession, it is a calling, where caring of patients is individualized. The study may be presented in different fora to disseminate the information gathered in the research.