Resilience, Dedication, and Training: A Study on Nurses Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Albania
Authors:   Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Aldent University, Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, Tirana, Albania, Tushe Mirela ,   QSUNT "Mother Theresa" Infectious Diseases Service (Covid 3), and Child Psychiatry Service, Tirana, Albania
Published: January 2025

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic supplied remarkable challenges for healthcare workers globally, with nurses in Albania playing an important
role in response efforts. expertise their studies, challenges, and perceptions throughout this era is essential to tell future preparedness techniques
and support the healthcare body of workers.
Aims: This study aimed to explore demographic characteristics, stress levels, adherence to safety measures, impact on professional relationships,
and overall perceptions of nurses in Albania during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on training experiences.
Methods: Population and Sample Selection: The study was conducted with the participation of 160 nurses randomly selected from hospitals
and Health Centres in Tirana, Albania. Data were collected in May 2021. The sample included nurses from various services, including Infection,
Oncology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Endocrinology, Neurology, and Psychiatry, as well as primary healthcare services in Health Centres No. 10
and No. 3 in Tirana. Sample Size: After being knowledgeable approximately, the purpose of the take a look at, a pattern of 160 participating nurses
filled out questionnaires at their workplaces anonymously and voluntarily.
Statistical Analyses: A questionnaire with 32 questions was used for this study. After the forms were completed by 160 nurses, all data were collected
into a database and then analyzed. They are expressed in numerical data but also in percentages to have a clearer picture. It is a descriptive study.
Survey methodology was used. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the statistical survey over 11 days.
Results: The study conducted in May 2021 with 160 nurses revealed significant observations regarding their demographics, including gender
distribution, years of experience, education levels, and age distribution. Stress levels were found to peak at the onset of the pandemic but showed a
gradual decline over time. Nurses demonstrated a high level of adherence to safety measures and reported improvements in professional relationships,
despite challenges related to mask-wearing. Additionally, the study highlighted nurses' high dedication to patient care and the challenges they
face, including workload variability and dissatisfaction with salaries. Training experiences were also examined, revealing the need for ongoing
education and skill development among nurses.
Conclusion: Findings underscore the resilience, dedication, and ongoing training needs of nurses in Albania amidst the challenges posed by the
COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing significant obstacles, nurses have shown extraordinary commitment to their professional responsibilities and
patient care. These observations emphasize the importance of continuous training, support, recognition, and investment in the nursing workforce
to ensure an effective response to future crises.