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ICU Nurses’ Lived Experiences of Caring for Patients With Moisture-Associated Skin Damage

Author

Listed:
  • Xianxian Zhang

    (Graduate School, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100; Henan Provincial People's Hospital)

  • Mary Beth P. Diva

    (Clinical Coordinator, College of Nursing, Faculty for BSN, MN, and MAN Programs, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100, Philippines)

  • Sheilla M. Trajera

    (Graduate School Program Chair for Education and Nursing, Faculty for BSN, MN, MAN, and PhD Programs, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100, Philippines)

Abstract

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) is common in critical care, yet nurses often manage it amid urgent, life-sustaining priorities. This study explored ICU nurses’ lived experiences, challenges, and training needs in caring for patients with MASD in a Chinese tertiary hospital. A descriptive phenomenological design was used. Ten registered ICU nurses with direct MASD care experience participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. We analyzed data using Colaizzi’s seven-step method, strengthening credibility through member checking, reflexive journaling, triangulation, and an audit trail. Results: Three themes emerged: the paradox of experiential expertise, the invisible labor of skin care, and bridging the knowing-doing gap. Nurses described strong practical skills but limited systematic theoretical preparation, inconsistent resources and protocols, competing clinical priorities, and a strong preference for standardized, context-based learning. Conclusion: MASD care competency is shaped by both individual knowledge and organizational conditions. The findings support structured education, consistent protocols, adequate resources, bedside mentorship, and system-level recognition of skin care as a core component of critical care nursing.

Suggested Citation

  • Xianxian Zhang & Mary Beth P. Diva & Sheilla M. Trajera, 2026. "ICU Nurses’ Lived Experiences of Caring for Patients With Moisture-Associated Skin Damage," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 88(1), pages 211-225, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:tec:journl:ojs:13832
    DOI: 10.47577/tssj.v88i1.13832
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