Vietnamese Nurses' Lived Experiences of Hospital Isolation during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Nurses are at heightened risk of COVID-19 exposure due to their close contact with infected patients. In Vietnam, where the healthcare system faced significant strain during the pandemic, many nurses were infected and subjected to hospital isolation. However, little is known about how Vietnamese nurses personally experienced this isolation process. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Vietnamese nurses who were infected with COVID-19 and underwent hospital-based isolation. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed using Colaizzi’s method of analysis. Seven registered nurses from a public hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, who had completed hospital isolation and tested negative for COVID-19, were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-depth face-to-face interviews conducted between March and June 2022. Thematic analysis was performed to identify core experiences and meanings. Three major themes emerged: (1) Before isolation, nurses reported emotional shock, fear of transmission, and social stigma; (2) During isolation, participants experienced loneliness, worsening symptoms, spiritual coping, and insufficient professional support; and (3) After isolation, they reported lingering physical fatigue, spiritual growth, and a renewed sense of empathy and advocacy. Peer connection and spiritual practices played a significant role in emotional resilience. Hospital isolation due to COVID-19 presents not only physical but also profound psychological and spiritual challenges for nurses. Support strategies should incorporate mental health services, spiritual care, reintegration planning, and equal treatment of healthcare workers when they become patients. Culturally sensitive approaches are essential for improving pandemic preparedness and staff well-being in future health emergencies.