Table 3.

Overview of main themes and subcategories.

Main theme		Subcategory
I.	Breakdown of normal systems	1.	•Fear of being exposed •Fear of exposing loved ones •Fear of not graduating •Fear of not finding a job
		2.	•Change in world/perception/understanding of pandemic •Let down by leaders •Relationship to school response •Disillusioned, disappointment, fear, loss •Effects at home/how it feels at home/loss of boundaries •Facts about & fears related to threat of disease/infection /threat to others •Social unrest
		3.	•Lack of leadership •Unclear expectations •Inconsistent news/messaging •Misinformation •Concern about unsafe work conditions & lack of resources
		4.	•Missed learning opportunities •Remote learning hard
II.	Feeling alone & inability to escape	5.	•Isolation is stressful, trapped inside, not able to see loved ones •Missed relationships & socialization
		6.	•Effects at home & how it feels/loss of boundaries
		7.	•What pandemic takes away
		8.	•No escape, constant reminders •Unclear path of relief
III.	Protective factors/adaptability	9.	•Beneficial in-person immersion & NA working
		10.	•Helpful to stay connected, be active & be outside •Physical activity
		11.	•Solo pursuits/things to do/self-care activities
		12.	•Communities of support
		13.	•Viewing situation as improving
		14.	•Managing educational changes •In-person experiences
IV.	Role identify & formation	15.	•Change in delivery of education •Losing expected markers in educational path •Fear/concern over struggling to start on the professional path •Need new ways to feel this way/complicated journey to getting there—in person??? •Envisioning/learning what a nurse needs & is
		16.	•Missed learning opportunities •Remote learning hard
		17.	•Beneficial in-person immersion & NA working
		18.	•Nursing well respected but underappreciated

NA = nursing assistant.