Title

LIVED EXPERIENCE OF PROFESSIONAL NURSES CARING FOR AN ELDERLY

Author(s)

SELLANA, LYNZIEL ANN

SORIANO, MARIBETH

SUGANOB, JODIE ANN

TURNO, CHARIZ GRACE

Affiliation

Misamis University

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Contributor

Elmedulan, Arnielyn M.

Ocapan, Jesus Jr., G.

Lian, Charry Jo P.

Santos, Susan N.

Year

2024

Abstract

The global demographic shift increases the need for quality healthcare services for the elderly with the rising demand for expertise in geriatric nursing care. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of professional nurses caring for the elderly. This study was aligned with Watson’s Theory of Human Caring which emphasizes that creative behavior is a holistic process that creates personal connections between nurses and their patients. This study utilized a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design, conducted in Ozamiz City province of Misamis Occidental. Through snowball sampling, participants composed of Professional Nurses who had an active current nursing license and were currently caring for elderly aged 65 years and above for at least 6 months at home and hospital-based were selected. The findings revealed that the experience of professional nurses as they take care of elderly individuals includes complex interactions of challenges and strategies in geriatric nursing. The following were the cluster themes identified: Intrapersonal Dilemma, Interpersonal Challenges, and Coping Strategies, which give view of the dynamics in geriatric care settings. Furthermore, the research results underlined how the balance of the clinical task with
an emotional boundary and interpersonal relationship is essential for the nurse caring for elderly individuals. Implications for further action include recommendations for training programs,
collaboration, and open communication among nurses, patients, and families. Future research could prioritize older patients and those needing full home care support to improve their well-being and nursing care.

Keywords

caring, elderly, lived experience, professional nurses: caring, elderly, lived experience, professional nurses