CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY THE SELECTED NURSES AT MEDICS GENERAL HOSPITAL, ALUA, SAN ISIDRO, NUEVA ECIJA

Abstract

The challenges nurses commonly face include staffing shortages, heavy workloads, emotional stress, communication barriers, technological complexities, and instances of workplace violence, all of which may lead to medical errors and compromised patient safety (Norwich, 2023). As stated by Moll et al. (2022), recent studies have shown that an increasing number of nurses have considered switching careers or leaving the profession due to high levels of anxiety, burnout, and exhaustion. Therefore, this research aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges experienced by selected nurses at Medics General Hospital, Alua, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. This study used a qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was employed, involving a total of ten (10) nurses from Medics General Hospital, Alua, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, all of whom had at least one year of professional experience. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with the aid of audio recordings. The participants consisted of five male and five female nurses, most of whom were between 30 and 40 years old and had three to four years of work experience. The participants frequently experienced challenges such as nurse shortages due to migration, low salaries, long working hours leading to stress and burnout, and a lack of equipment in primary hospitals. Some participants also reported conflicts with patients’ family members. These challenges resulted in financial concerns, work-related stress, and exhaustion from prolonged working hours, causing feelings of anxiety and decreased motivation. Coping strategies included practicing patience with patients, demonstrating resilience in facing challenges, and prioritizing rest to maintain overall well-being. This study presented the challenges experienced by selected nurses at Medics General Hospital, Alua, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. The primary challenges identified were nurse shortages, insufficient salary, inadequate equipment, extended work shifts that led to stress, and conflicts with patients’ relatives. Coping strategies included resting adequately, exercising patience, and maintaining strong willpower. Furthermore, the findings emphasized the difficulty nurses face in performing and sustaining their professional roles and highlighted the critical importance of adequate resources and institutional support.