Exploring the Lived Experiences of Operating Room (OR) Nurses on Different Surgical Realities

Abstract

This qualitative study utilized a Husserlian descriptive phenomenological design to explore the lived experiences of operating room (OR) nurses navigating unpredictable surgical realities. Conducted in government hospitals within Surigao City and the Caraga Region, the study involved eight (8) OR nurses to uncover the essence of their professional practice amid systemic and clinical uncertainty. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method of phenomenological analysis. Findings revealed that nurses experienced the operating room as a high-stakes environment characterized by sudden case insertions, resource shortages, workflow disruptions, and emergent surgical demands. The study identified key themes reflecting the realities encountered, the emotional and mental burdens experienced, and the strategies employed by nurses in managing these challenges. The findings highlighted that OR nurses served as stabilizing forces within unpredictable clinical environments through adaptability, rapid decision-making, and professional resilience. The applicability of the study suggests that operating room nursing is inherently shaped by unpredictability, requiring both technical competence and emotional strength. It further emphasizes the need for responsive nursing management strategies, improved communication systems, and institutional support mechanisms to sustain nurse well-being and ensure patient safety.