Feelings and Experiences of Return‐to‐Work Among Nurses Occupationally Infected With COVID ‐19 During the Late Phase of the Pandemic in Japan

This study explored the feelings of nurses occupationally infected with COVID-19 during the late pandemic phase in Japan, from diagnosis to return to work, to provide suggestions for safe and continuous employment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 11 nurses infected during the late phase of the pandemic (August 2022 to February 2023). The data were analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach. At diagnosis, nurses experienced shock and a strong sense of guilt and self-blame arising from the feeling of being blamed by others. Negative emotions during the infection period influenced postreturn feelings, leading to distrust stemming from insufficient infection control measures and a desire to leave their workplace. Conversely, gratitude for the support from managers and colleagues during the recuperation period fostered their determination to return. Furthermore, a sense of achievement, such as improved nursing expertise and reaffirmation of professional values, facilitated a positive transformation of the infection experience, supporting work motivation. These findings suggest that managers and colleagues recognize the importance of alleviating nurses' self-blame, improving environments, and organizational support, enabling nurses to maintain achievement by reframing their experiences positively.