When Nightingales Became Patients: Lived Experience of Filipino Nurses During Hospitalization

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Filipino nurses who were hospitalized as patients, focusing on how this role reversal reshapes their views on care and professional identity. Using a descriptive phenomenological design and Van Manen’s six-step approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 registered nurses who had been hospitalized for at least three days due to acute or chronic illness. Participants were selected through purposive, snowball, and maximum variation sampling to capture diverse sociodemographic profiles, clinical backgrounds, and hospitalization contexts. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes: (1) A Nurse’s Care, describing heightened awareness of technical competence, fairness, and the healing environment; (2) A Great Support, emphasizing the vital role of family, colleagues, and healthcare teams; (3) Intense Emotions, encompassing fear, vulnerability, grief, and moments of hope; (4) Understanding the Process, highlighting the paradox of professional knowledge as both empowering and anxiety‑provoking and the use of coping strategies; and (5) Reflections, illustrating personal and professional growth, deeper empathy, and redefined notions of holistic, person‑centered care. Anchored on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, Meleis’ Transition Theory, and Parse’s Theory of Human Becoming, the study underscores how transitioning from caregiver to patient can transform nurses’ caregiving philosophies and supports the development of policies and programs that promote supportive environments, post‑hospitalization rehabilitation, and reflective practice among nurses.