COMPASSION AMIDST TRAUMA: NURSES' EXPERIENCES IN CARING FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE IN CEBU CITY
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Keywords
Nurses, Domestic Abuse Survivors, Lived Experiences, Compassionate Care, Emotional Resilience
Abstract
This study delved into the lived experiences of nurses in Cebu City who cared for victims of domestic abuse, shedding light on the emotional, psychological, and professional complexities of their role. Employing Hermeneutic Phenomenology as its methodology, the research used purposive sampling to select participants with firsthand experiences in caring for abuse survivors, ensuring that data saturation guided the final sample size. Through in-depth interviews, analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis, the study revealed that nurses served as both caregivers and silent witnesses to their patients’ trauma, navigating the fine line between professional detachment and compassionate involvement. While their primary responsibility was to provide medical care, they inevitably became emotional anchors, absorbing their patients’ pain while striving to offer a sense of safety and healing. Many nurses initially struggled with the emotional burden but eventually developed coping mechanisms to manage their feelings while maintaining their professional commitment. The findings underscored the significance of emotional resilience, institutional support, and self-care in sustaining the well-being of nurses in such emotionally charged caregiving environments. Despite the challenges, the study highlighted the unwavering dedication of nurses to their patients, emphasizing their critical role in fostering both physical and emotional recovery for survivors of abuse.
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