Abstract:
The pandemic has impacted almost all sectors of society, including higher education. Nurse learners face an overwhelming and uncertain environment of stress, emotional and financial crisis, viruses, illness, and online learning. Thus, a need to study the lived experiences of nurse learners to develop programs and protocols that will cater to their needs.
This paper described the lived experiences of nurse learners at Benguet State University who tested positive and have recovered from COVID-19.
The study utilized a qualitative design, precisely a descriptive phenomenological approach to bring about the lived experiences of the nurse learners. A purposeful sampling method was employed, particularly a maximum variation sampling. Nurse learners who were currently enrolled in Benguet State University for the second semester of AY 2021-2022 and who are recovered confirmed cases of COVID-19 were included as participants. Referral or network sampling was employed to reach more participants for the study. Interviews were made and analyzed through Colaizzi's method of data analysis.
Following the criteria, the researchers interviewed 12 participants. From the interviews, the following broad domains were identified: “Receiving the Call”, “14 Days of Rain”, and “Stepping on Dry Land,” where inferences were drawn: (1) Nurse learners have different ways of reacting to receiving the news, they prepare for isolation (at home or in a facility), and later on also experienced discrimination. (2) COVID-19 positive nurse learners would be quarantined for 14 days where they struggled, but a strong support system helped them cope. Going out of the facility after recovery can be delayed, but the participants stayed optimistic. (3) The nurse learners embody resiliency. They realized that it’s still crucial to strictly follow the protocols, get vaccinated, and have strong family support that acts as a buffer against life's unfortunate circumstances.
(1) Affordable or free swab tests should be available; The contact tracing and vaccination should be done efficiently. (2) Every household should prepare a simple COVID-19 kit, (3) the community should embody the trait of empathy; (4) and mental health be prioritized during isolation. (6) Educational institutions should also provide flexible delivery methods (modular learning). (7) COVID-19 survivors should continue following the public health standards. (8) It is also recommended that this research be further studied; with more specific variables;(9) and be presented in a forum for wide dissemination.
