Beyond the Stethoscope: Experiences of Nurse Leaders to Balancing Motherhood and Profession

Abstract

Background: Nurse leaders who are mothers have important responsibilities both at work and at home, which makes it hard for them to balance both roles. They often find themselves in conflict as they attempt to fulfill their responsibilities. Studies have confirmed that work-life balance has a substantial effect on nurses’ mental well-being and job retention, as well as the quality of patients’ care. This underscores the need for policies that support workforce retention and align with SDG 3 and NUHRA priorities. Aims: This study explored the experiences of nurse leaders as they balance motherhood and their profession while identifying important implications for enhancing support. Study Design:  Descriptive Phenomenological Design Place and Duration of Study: Nursing Departments in participating hospitals in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, between October 2024 and September 2025. Methodology: This study was held at five participating hospitals in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Participants had a total of ten (10) nurses who were mothers for school-aged children and held the title position of Charge Nurse (Head Nurse/ Chief Nurse/ Supervisor). Purposive sampling and snowball sampling were employed in this study, therefore 10 nurse leaders met the criteria for having previous experience of combining employment and parenthood. The researchers utilized semi-structured guide questions, in-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically reflexively using MAXQDA. Results: The thematic analysis identified five interconnected themes: (1) Juggling Multiple Roles, (2) Carrying Emotional Burdens, (3) Organizing Time and Priorities, (4) Growing through Adversity, and (5) Relying on Support Networks. Participants highlighted their resilience in the face of exhaustion, supported by adaptive strategies and external help. Conclusion: Nurse leader mothers demonstrate remarkable resilience and satisfaction in their dual roles while emphasizing the importance of family, teamwork, and institutional flexibility. Implications for nursing practice include support for flexibility in scheduling, provision of child care, and self-care initiatives.