The experiences and needs of re-entering nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

During the COVID-19 outbreak in the Netherlands, thousands of former nurses have returned to nursing to support healthcare staff. After a period of absence and with little time to prepare, these former nurses re-entered  during a challenging, uncertain and rapidly evolving pandemic. Little is known about the experiences and needs of these re-entering nurses. Assessing the needs and experiences of re-entering nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative study using a pragmatist approach within the interpretative paradigm. This study took place in the following settings within the Dutch healthcare system: Intensive care units, COVID and regular departments within hospitals, nursing home settings, a rehabilitation centre and newly established COVID-19 departments within nursing home settings. We purposively selected 20 nurses who had re-entered nursing during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between March 2020 and June 2020 in the Netherlands. The first interview was conducted on the eighth of May 2020. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews in Dutch. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed via thematic content analysis in the coding program of MAXQDA2020. This study followed the SRQR and COREQ  guidelines. Seven main themes were identified. Participants mentioned that a lack of a clear job description led to lack of clarity  about the kind of tasks that re-entering nurses were expected and allowed to perform. the majority of the participants had received none or little training prior to their return.   -entering nurses mentioned to wish for an easily accessible mentorship structure and an individualised and practical training program. -entering nurses felt supported by a positive team dynamic, which was shaped by the sense of urgency and relevance of their work and helped them deal with stressful experiences. Nearly all participants mentioned that re-entering during a pandemic did not lead to impairment of their mental health.   Most participants mentioned being able to cope with their mental health independently, sharing experiences with family and colleagues   The results indicate that a rapid and safe return to nursing during a pandemic could be facilitated by: a clear description of roles and responsibilities; an individualised assessment determining the competences and knowledge disparities of re-entering nurses; practical training focussing on competencies needed during a pandemic; and a collaborative mentorship structure to guide re-entering nurses. In-depth interviews with former nurses who returned to #nursing during the first wave of the #COVID19 #pandemic in the Netherlands.