工作與生命意義的實踐：急重症護理師的疫起挑戰

Meaningful work and life: challenges faced by acute- and critical-care nurses

目標：台灣2021年COVID-19疫情嚴峻，造成第一線急重症護理師工作量倍增且染疫風險增加，了解護理師在此情境下的工作意義與生命意義，以便未來醫院有相應的輔助措施。方法：以質性研究深度訪談十五位急重症單位的護理師。結果：疫情下的「工作意義」有三個主題，分別為：1.讓生活安定；2.因使命固守崗位；3.看見自己的價值；「生命意義」有四主題，分別為：1.照顧家人；2.生死無常；3.行善；4.把握當下。結論：在COVID-19疫情嚴重期間，台灣急重症單位的護理師對工作不逃避，而是以正向的態度面對工作所帶來的挑戰，且能從工作中體現自己不凡的生命意義，在有限的生命歷程，留下偉大捍衛國人健康的歷史軌跡。本研究提供台灣疫情警戒期間，急重症單位的護理師對工作意義與生命意義的見解，讓政策制定者在未來大流行時能有應對的相關計劃。

Objectives: The severity of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2021 in Taiwan doubled the workload of first-line acute- and critical-care nurses and increased their risk of infection. This study explored such nurses’ work and personal lives to help hospitals develop auxiliary measures. Methods: This qualitative study interviewed fifteen nurses working in acute- and critical-care units. Results: Three themes were regarding the meaning of the nurses’ work during the pandemic were identified: (a) keeping life stable, (b) fulfilling duties, and (c) recognizing self-worth. Four themes regarding the meaning of the nurses’ personal lives were identified: (a) caring for families, (b) the impermanence of life and death, (c) doing good, and (d) seizing the day. Conclusions: During the pandemic, the nurses faced challenges at with a positive attitude, which helped them find meaning in their lives. In the limited life course, he left behind a great historical track of defending the health of the Chinese people. This study provides insight into the professional and personal lives of nurses in acute- and critical-care units during the pandemic in Taiwan, and the findings can help policymakers plan for future pandemics.