Foreign-born nurses as COVID-19 survivors in the Nordic region: A descriptive phenomenological study

Objective: In 2020, amid limited COVID-19 vaccination access, many nurses from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups in the United States of America and United Kingdom succumbed to the virus. No fatalities among Filipino foreign-born nurses (FBNs) in the BAME groups were recorded in the Nordic region. This study explored the experiences of Filipino FBNs in the Nordic region who, during the initial 2020 pandemic wave, cared for COVID-19 patients, contracted the virus and subsequently recovered. Methods: The research employed a descriptive phenomenological methodology to explore the experiences of six Filipino FBNs who had recovered from COVID-19 in various regions of the Nordic countries, including Finland (n = 1), Sweden (n = 1), Denmark (n = 2), Norway (n = 1) and Iceland (n = 1). Data collection occurred through online videoconferencing between September 2020 and February 2021, utilising a semi-structured approach. The data analysis was conducted following Sundler and colleagues' qualitative thematic analysis, which is grounded in descriptive phenomenology. Results: The data analysis yielded three primary themes and twelve sub-themes, which explored the experiences of Filipino FBNs with COVID-19 infection. The study demonstrated that unclear national guidelines impacted nurses' preparedness in caring for COVID-19 patients, contributing to their susceptibility to contracting the virus. The lack of occupational healthcare services for nurses during and after the pandemic affected their work morale in an unfamiliar setting. Conclusion: The study provided valuable insights into the experiences of Filipino FBNs during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising the need for clearer guidelines, enhanced training and improved support for healthcare workers. It highlighted the psychological impact of COVID-19, emphasising the importance of mental health support and stigma reduction efforts. The study also emphasised the significance of improving occupational health services to support the well-being and recovery of healthcare workers during and after the pandemic, with implications for developing comprehensive strategies to protect frontline healthcare workers in health crises.