College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 6-10-2022

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Shannon Simonovich, PhD, RN

Second Advisor

Cheryl Soco, DNP

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the experiences of Advanced Practitioner Registered Nurses’ (APRNs) in the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Becoming familiar with other historical outbreaks is crucial when learning from experiences and how to best move forward with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on APRNs.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the qualitative experiences of APRNs, who were healthcare providers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing primary analysis of interview data.

Methodology

This project is a primary analysis of qualitative data collected through semi-structured interview questions. This project is theory-generating; however, it was correlated with the social support theory.

Results

Analysis of the qualitative data showed the following four re-occurring themes: safety, role adaptation and innovation, emotions related to the care provider role and wages lost and gained. Data showed that APRNs can function in multi-faceted roles and how they supported their organizations, communities, and families.

Conclusions

The study results include themes that are synonymous with experiences of advanced practice nurses as care providers during the first wave of the COVID 19 pandemic. Implications for practice This study demonstrates the need to support APRNs in various aspects of their care provider role. Investments in their education, career, wages, policies must take place to prevent further loss of APRNs.

SLP Collection

yes

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