The experience of working nurses attending graduate school during COVID-19: A hermeneutic phenomenology study

Introduction: There has been unprecedented uncertainty involved in the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for working nurses. Nurses working while attending graduate school faced additional unique challenges including working extended hours while also home-schooling young children, managing a family life while also navigating pandemic-related changes affecting students’ educational paths. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of working nurses attending graduate school during the COVID-19 pandemic. The central research question was: What is the lived experience of working nurses attending graduate school during COVID-19? Methods: The exploration of the lived experience of working nurses attending graduate school during a pandemic required a research methodology delving into the meaning of lived experience as it has been lived, temporally, and contextually (during a pandemic). Qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology was used to explore the meaning of lived experience from an interpretational stance. Results: The overall meaning of the experience was a paradigm shift of existence across the three realms of work, home, and school. The themes associated with the shift were rapid change, uncertainty, fear, and support persons. Stress was a resulting overarching theme. Conclusions: To support working nurses further their education during times of crisis, nurse leaders and educators should put processes in place to mitigate change and stress through strategic communication and supportive work environments.