Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
A Quantitative Sensory Testing Paradigm to Obtain Measures of Pain Processing in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: January 18, 2018
Emotional experiences, difficulties, and facilitators in patient care of nurses working in surgical units: a
Şükriye Şahin1, Yasemin Özhanlı2
1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey. sukriye.sahin@kocaeli.edu.tr.
Background:
Nurses working in surgical clinics have to cope with intense emotional processes in addition to providing physical care to patients. This situation causes nurses to expend significant emotional labor while performing their professional roles and to encounter various psychosocial effects.
Objectives:
The aim of this study is to identify the emotional states of nurses working in clinical settings and the factors that influence these states, and to establish a scientific basis for planning the development of nurses' emotional competence.
Methods:
This study is a qualitative research that aims to explore the lived experiences of the participants. The data were collected between May and September 2024 at a hospital in Kocaeli province using a semi-structured interview form. In-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face with 15 nurses, and each interview lasted approximately 30 to 60 min. The data obtained were evaluated using thematic analysis. Qualitative data were collected in accordance with COREQ criteria.
Results:
Five main themes were identified as a result of the analysis: Emotions, emotional burdens, emotional impacts, facilitators and the barriers. The findings clearly show that nurses work not only with technical knowledge and skills but also with a high level of emotional labor. Surgical nurses' efforts to respond to patients' physical and psychological needs with a holistic approach highlight their human qualities such as empathy, patience, compassion, and emotional resilience.
Conclusion:
The emotional needs of nurses working in surgical clinics should be taken into consideration; they should be supported with in-service training on emotional intelligence, stress management, and clarity of nursing roles. Nurses need to be empowered with a strong social support network to prevent professional burnout. Additionally, it is important for managers to view nurses not merely as labor but as individuals with emotional needs to ensure sustainable healthcare services.
Clinical Trial Number:
Not applicable.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:15Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
01:22The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
01:08Obedience