Table 2.

Key elements of the Quality of Life (QWL) framework and alignment with study findings and experiences during COVID-19.

QWL Framework Category	Findings from Narratives	Discussion Themes
ii—safe and healthy working conditions	Early fear of virus; fear of future waves and backlog; Working in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); breaks/leave	Time and space for well-being; the emotions of working in COVID-19 (fear)
iii—opportunity to develop and use skills and capacities	Inability to provide regular care; PPE and patient rapport	The emotions of working in COVID-19 (guilt)
v—social integration	Ward-based work; redeployment; missing training; isolation	Time and space for well-being; the emotions of working in COVID-19 (sadness)
vii—recognition of total life space	Fear of transmitting virus to family; childcare/elder care; stigma; social isolation	Time and space for well-being; life beyond lockdown