The experience of nursing leadership in a crisis: A hermeneutic phenomenological study

Aim: This study aimed to understand nursing leaders' experience during the pandemic.

Background: COVID-19 is a public health crisis that affects every nation in the world.

Methods: Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 28 leaders in a large health care system. Data were collected via semi-structured audiotaped interviews. Results were analysed using hermeneutic phenomenology.

Results: The structure in which leaders worked was described as: from the day-to-day grind to derailment and from manning the hospital to manning the frontlines. Five phenomenological themes were as follows: embodied leadership, navigating differently, trusting and earning trust, being the calm voice and envisioning the future.

Conclusion: Disaster policies and procedures are needed that will alleviate leadership angst, maximize nursing resources, heighten trust and enhance communications.

Implications for nursing management: In 2020, we witnessed a previously inconceivable media and public focus on the value of nursing care. Leaders can use this pivotal moment in time as a catalyst towards securing the support needed in planning for the next pandemic.