Journey to Heroism: Lived Experiences of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) nurses contributed substantially to the healthcare systems of the nations where they were employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although studies about nurses' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic have been conducted, there is still a gap in knowledge on the experiences of OFW nurses outside the country. Limited studies focus on the effects of the pandemic on nurses' overall risks and wellbeing.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of the OFW nurses who handled COVID-19 patients confined in hospitals.
Methods: Hermeneutic phenomenology was employed in the study. A purposeful sampling technique was used to choose the participants. The study was conducted from August 2022 to December 2022. The participants of the study were the seven OFW nurses working in hospital ICUs and COVID wards. The data were analyzed using the Van Manen Method.
Results: Eight main themes and twenty-four subthemes emerged from their lived experiences. OFW nurses demonstrated teamwork, spiritual ties, compassion, and self-sacrifice in saving the lives of their patients. Despite experiencing anxiety, fear, and paranoia, they remained optimistic and resilient, proving their superhero qualities despite the challenges of the public health crisis.
Conclusions: Their experiences encountered marked the challenges and sacrifices they made as healthcare professionals. These should be addressed through targeted policies, enhanced support systems, and better working conditions, which are essential to prepare them for future crises and honor the contributions.