Retorno ao trabalho de enfermeiras pós-infecção pela Covid-19

Abstract

This study addresses the return to work of nurses after Covid-19 infection. With the general objective of describing the return to work of nurses after infection by Covid-19. As specific objectives: Characterize the nurses who were removed from work after infection by Covid-19 and Identify how the return to work of nurses after infection by Covid-19 occurred. This is an exploratory and descriptive research, which used the qualitative research method. The study was carried out in two large public teaching hospitals in the city of Salvador, Bahia. The study included 10 nurses who returned to work after being infected with Covid-19, positive through RT-PCR, from March 2020 to March 2022. Two instruments were used to collect the information: a form and a script . After the nurses were identified through the Occupational Health Service of the institutions, contact data (telephone/electronic correspondence) was collected and the invitation was made online through a free messaging application (WhatsApp) and telephone call, in some cases, for research participation. Upon acceptance for participation, the interviews were scheduled according to the availability of each professional, ensuring the privacy criterion. The remote interview was recorded with the participant's authorization, with the date and time also sent to their WhatsApp/phone, as well as the informed consent form. For the qualitative approach, Bardin's thematic content analysis method was used. Afterwards, two categories were constructed: Return to work with manifestation of signs and symptoms of post-covid syndrome and two subcategories: Manifestation of tiredness and fatigue and manifestation of emotional disorders and the category Welcoming the service on the return of nurses to work. Activities that were once considered routine became major challenges, because the feeling of tiredness and fatigue was very present. In the nurses' report, it was as if they were doing an activity far superior to what they were used to. The occurrence of emotional disturbances was cited in most of the interviews, which were mainly observed through anxiety and fear. It was possible to observe that the reception of the team is fundamental for the recovery of the professionals, as well as for the gradual return due to the symptoms and/or sequelae of Covid-19. It was possible to perceive through the reports, how challenging it was to return to work after infection by Covid-19. Some professionals returned with both physical and emotional symptoms, and this varied regardless of hospital unit and degree of training. The Covid-19 pandemic, associated with the illness of nurses and subsequent return to work, can be seen as an opportunity to transform our vulnerability into strength to expand the need for reception and care with regard to the illness of nurses during their process of work.