biostudies-literatureUnknownWilliams LAThe University of Tennessee Health Science Center Dean's Research Fellowship Award<h4>Aim and objective</h4>The purpose of this study was to generate a conceptual definition and theory of grief for nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic using grounded theory methodology.<h4>Background</h4>The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on nurses working on the frontlines. The increasing flow of diagnosed COVID-19 cases, diverse unknowns and demands in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, and depression related to countless deaths can trigger grief experiences.<h4>Design</h4>A mixed methods approach, including the qualitative method of grounded theory and a quantitative 30-question survey, was used in this study.<h4>Methods</h4>Eight focus group sessions were conducted with registered nurses working on the frontlines during the pandemic. Sessions were audio recorded and analysed using constant comparative data analysis. Following the interviews, a survey including demographics and self-report inventories was completed by participants. The COREQ checklist was used to assess study quality.<h4>Results</h4>Major concepts that emerged include 'facing a new reality', 'frustrations', 'stress' and 'coping'. Core concepts were combined into a conceptual definition of grief and a grounded theory of the experience of nurses working on the frontlines during the pandemic. Cross comparisons of qualitative and quantitative findings were made and compared with the literature.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This study provides a better understanding of the grief experience of nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to recognise professional grief and develop intervention strategies that lead to grief reconciliation.<h4>Relevance to clinical practice</h4>Findings provide useful insights for healthcare administrators to provide support and develop interventions to reduce frustrations and stress of frontline registered nurses.<h4>Patient or public contribution</h4>This study design involved registered nurses participating in focus group sessions. Participants detailed their experience working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic with patients, family and hospital administration.Journal of clinical nursinghttps://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9878071biostudies-literatureA mixed methods study: The grief experience of registered nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.PMC9878071N/AMcClinton TFarrell ADolgoff JMurray EAccardo DWilliams LAJacob SRfalseA mixed methods study: The grief experience of registered nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.<h4>Aim and objective</h4>The purpose of this study was to generate a conceptual definition and theory of grief for nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic using grounded theory methodology.<h4>Background</h4>The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on nurses working on the frontlines. The increasing flow of diagnosed COVID-19 cases, diverse unknowns and demands in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, and depression related to countless deaths can trigger grief experiences.<h4>Design</h4>A mixed methods approach, including the qualitative method of grounded theory and a quantitative 30-question survey, was used in this study.<h4>Methods</h4>Eight focus group sessions were conducted with registered nurses working on the frontlines during the pandemic. Sessions were audio recorded and analysed using constant comparative data analysis. Following the interviews, a survey including demographics and self-report inventories was completed by participants. The COREQ checklist was used to assess study quality.<h4>Results</h4>Major concepts that emerged include 'facing a new reality', 'frustrations', 'stress' and 'coping'. Core concepts were combined into a conceptual definition of grief and a grounded theory of the experience of nurses working on the frontlines during the pandemic. Cross comparisons of qualitative and quantitative findings were made and compared with the literature.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This study provides a better understanding of the grief experience of nurses working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to recognise professional grief and develop intervention strategies that lead to grief reconciliation.<h4>Relevance to clinical practice</h4>Findings provide useful insights for healthcare administrators to provide support and develop interventions to reduce frustrations and stress of frontline registered nurses.<h4>Patient or public contribution</h4>This study design involved registered nurses participating in focus group sessions. Participants detailed their experience working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic with patients, family and hospital administration.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Nov2025-04-25T20:09:34.533Z2025-02-19T03:00:21.464ZS-EPMC98780713635253310.1111/jocn.16579