Lived Experiences of Moral Resilience among Newly Registered Nurses in the Philippines: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Aim: This study explored the lived experiences of moral resilience among newly registered nurses in the Philippines as they navigated ethical dilemmas, emotional distress, and the challenges of transitioning into professional nursing practice. It sought to understand how novice nurses experienced morally challenging situations, how they made meaning of these experiences, and how moral resilience was developed and sustained during their early years of clinical practice. Methodology: A descriptive phenomenological design guided this study. Ten newly registered nurses employed in selected Philippine hospitals were purposively recruited based on their direct experiences with morally challenging situations in clinical practice. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method. Trustworthiness was established through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability following Lincoln and Guba's criteria. Results: Five interrelated themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Upholding Professional Integrity Amid Moral Challenges, (2) Navigating Emotional and Moral Distress, (3) Drawing Strength from Personal and Professional Support, (4) Developing Moral Resilience Through Reflection and Experience, and (5) Transforming Challenges into Professional Growth. The findings revealed that moral resilience is a dynamic and developmental process through which newly registered nurses preserve ethical integrity, regulate emotional responses, rely on supportive relationships, engage in reflective practice, and transform morally challenging experiences into opportunities for professional growth and compassionate patient care. Conclusion: Moral resilience develops through the interaction of ethical commitment, reflective learning, clinical experience, and supportive interpersonal relationships. Strengthening mentorship, ethical reflection, and organisational support may enhance the capacity of newly registered nurses to navigate moral adversity, sustain compassionate practice, and foster long-term professional resilience.