ICU nurses' experiences of feeling hurt by medical personnel

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of nurses who have suffered from hurt feelings in their relationships with medical personnel in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: Data were collected from May 2019 to August 2020 through individual in-depth interviews with 8 ICU nurses. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using the MAXQDA program, employing a phenomenological method designed by Colaizzi. Results: Four theme clusters and nine themes were identified. The themes cluster that emerged were as follows: high-handedness from a lack of understanding and consideration, not being respected as a professional, having to endure sadness alone, and strategies for accepting pain. Conclusion: In ICUs, nurses are being emotionally wounded, resulting in a variety of hurt feelings, not only by doctors, but also by other nurses. Nurses were heavy-hearted because they wanted the participants to do their part and care for critically ill patients proficiently. However, they did not treat ICU nurses as specialized professionals. The participating nurses said they felt pressure, fear, and intimidated. In addition, they felt lonely because their head nurses, seniors, or colleagues did not protect or support them. This study helped develop a program to decrease the nurses' emotional distress and create a safe work environment where they respected and cared for each other without undergoing anguish.