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Purpose of the Study: Nurses in rural primary hospitals face unique challenges that impact their professional growth and development. This study aimed to explore these challenges and the opportunities available, with the ultimate goal of guiding policies and practices that improve work environments, enhance job satisfaction, and elevate the quality of patient care. Research Method: A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed to explore the experiences of nurses working in rural hospitals in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines. In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve nurse participants to capture their narratives. The interview transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method to identify emergent themes. Findings: The researcher identified 99 significant statements, grouped them into 62 codes, and organized them into 25 categories. These categories were then merged based on common themes, resulting in the formation of 8 distinct emergent themes. The eight emergent themes are as follows: 1. Staff Nurses' Challenges: Understaffing, Low Pay, Limited Breaks; 2. Staffing and Communication Issues in Rural Healthcare; 3. Impact of Supply Shortages on Patient Care; 4. Nurses’ Commitment to Community Health; 5. Nursing Excellence Through Development and Support; 6. Innovative Strategies for Healthcare Access; 7. Enhancing Patient Care with Technology; and 8. Resilience and Innovation in Overcoming Challenges. Implications: Based on the findings, it is implied that nurses in rural hospitals face major challenges like understaffing, low pay, and lack of resources, which negatively affect their work and patient care. Despite these issues, nurses show strong commitment, using creative solutions to improve healthcare in their communities. The findings suggest the need for better staffing, fair compensation, access to resources, and support for professional growth, along with investments in technology, to improve healthcare services and job satisfaction for rural nurses.
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