Table 3.

Subthemes, code and related Quotations of the Gaining experience, normalization and adaptation to the pandemic theme

Sub-themes	Codes	Quotations
Gaining experience	Being able to distinguish between COVID and non-COVID patients Gaining treatment knowledge and skills	We recognized the effects of drugs, we were able to differentiate infected patients from other infections, and we were able to identify more effective drugs (Physician) Gradually, we learned to manage patients and we obtained better results (Physician) Now, I know how to manage the ventilator and what technique of breathing is more effective (Nurse)
Regaining of self-confidence	Regaining control Restoration of self-confidence	Now our work is on track, patients are dying less, we know the drugs, control is back (Physician) It was a constructive experience, both for myself and my assistants, our experience growth was equal to several years and now we (now feel able to) work with confidence (Physician)
The normalization of life	Learning to live with the disease and using protective measures as a new way of life	This disease has become like any other diseases for us, we take more care of ourselves, but we are less afraid and we are working with it (Nurse) Living like this has now become a normal part of our lives, regular disinfection, social isolation or distancing, they are normal now. We have (learnt) to live this way (Physician)
Adaptation to the pandemic	Getting used to this kind of living Becoming new life style	We are used to this situation. We always take the necessary precautions at work. We also use them at home and outside. The fear I had at first has diminished (Nurse) It seems we have to get used to this lifestyle. Wearing a mask all the time, washing our hands regularly, reducing social interactions are new lifestyles. We have completely forgotten about shaking hands (Physician)
Worries about the future	Being worried about financial issues, mental health issues and the duration of the pandemic	Hospital revenues came from hospitalization of patients with other diseases. All hospitals are now dedicated to Corona. The hospitalization of patients with Corona, derives no income and its' costs are many times higher. We are worried about future payments to our personnel (Hospital Manager) If this disease last very long, we will have seriouse problems, especially in the mental health area, people including us need to have human relationships, we can not work like robots for a long time (Nurse)
Pandemic Fatigue	Becoming Tired Wanting to be rid of fear Let's get this over and done with	I'm tired of going home every day with fear of transmitting the infection to my family. If we're going to get infected, it's better to be early (Physician) Using protective equipment has become very difficult, I don't think I will be able to continue in the long run, some day I will give up (Nurse)