A multilevel perspective on the perceived effects of COVID-19 on nurses in China
ISSN: 0142-5455
Article publication date: 25 June 2021
Issue publication date: 1 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the effects of COVID-19 on individual, organizational and societal level as perceived by nurses in China.
Design/methodology/approach
We draw on two qualitative studies consisting of 483 qualitative surveys and 28 in-depth interviews with nurses in China.
Findings
The pandemic has enhanced the profile of the nursing profession in Chinese society and has led to an increase in recognition, respect and visibility of nurses. In addition, participants point to an improved workplace culture in which there is a strong sense of pride in the collective effort they put. Simultaneously, however, nurses reported how COVID-19 was perceived to be detrimental to their own psychological well-being, while also interfering with their work–life balance.
Originality/value
The data reveal the paradoxal effects of COVID-19 on nurses in China. On societal and organizational level, the pandemic seems to have had a positive effect, while on individual level a range of perceived negative effects is identified.
Keywords
Citation
Sun, M. and Hennekam, S. (2022), "A multilevel perspective on the perceived effects of COVID-19 on nurses in China", Employee Relations, Vol. 44 No. 1, pp. 54-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-10-2020-0474
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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