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Aim: The aim of this paper is to reflect upon the experiences of a senior nurse in a patient‐facing role, who led a tea providing direct care to those with coronavirus disease 2019 (covid‐19). This would establish what those experiences meant to nurses during the initial outbreak to enable their coping mechanisms to face subsequent waves in the United Kingdom. Background: The worst infectious disease outbreak of a generation rapidly made its impact known to the medical profession and its support infrastructure across the globe. It imparted unprecedented challenges, not only for managing the care of the most critically ill but for minimising its spread and protecting the workforce. Sources of evidence: Reflections of working on the covid‐19 frontline during the initial stages of the pandemic, the challenges faced, and lessons learned enabled the development of a strategy to better support nurses in the ongoing pandemic. Discussion: Visible, invested and consistent leadership was key in forming a strong foundation to support clear communication, peer support and increasing confidence. Consequently, strong bonds were forged to enable the team to face further challenges as they felt 'in it together'. Summary and implications for nursing and health policy: The experiences described in this paper are those of a senior nurse leader within a particular care context. However, the lessons learned are likely to resonate with many nurses who are facing the same challenges in very similar care contexts and who are urged to reflect upon their own experiences. Furthermore, the associated lessons may help support others and inform their strategy for coping throughout potential future admission surges of this pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Indigenous people of Norway are legally entitled to use their Sámi language in encounters with healthcare services, yet these encounters are generally conducted in Norwegian language. The right to Sámi language and culture in health is particularly relegated when Sámi healthcare personnel is not present. This neglect of Sámi language and culture in the Norwegian healthcare system impacts on the quality of care Sámi patients receive. Aim: This paper describes and interprets healthcare interactions between nurses and Sámi‐speaking patients in Norway. Method: Qualitative semi‐structured focus group interviews were conducted with Sámi (n = 13) and Norwegian nurses (n = 10). Participants were included if they had experience working with Sámi‐speaking patients and two years clinical practice in the Sámi area of northern Norway. Interpretive and descriptive analyses were conducted. Findings: Obtaining only basic patient information and lack of mapping of native language in admission documents or patient notes makes it challenging to recognise Sámi patients. In encounters with Sámi patients, Norwegian nurses must navigate linguistic challenges with an additional layer of interplay between culture and care. Misunderstandings in this area can undermine patient safety and be directly contrary to health legislation and patient rights. As remedy, Sámi nurses often improve the nurse–patient dialogue by translating and explaining cultural nuances, thus improving understanding of healthcare interactions, and bridging the gap to the Norwegian staff. Conclusion: To integrate Sámi language and culture into nursing care new guidelines to implement knowledge of Sámi patients' culture and language rights in healthcare education is needed. In addition, the authorities have to facilitate implementation of laws and regulations, research and guidelines in practical health care. At last, the number of Sámi‐speaking nurses has to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]