Phenomenologizing The Life After Nursing Practice of Registered Nurses: A Transcendental Approach

Abstract

The nursing profession has always played a key role in promoting health and preventing illness. However, they are not immune to facing issues in their everyday lives. These issues have played a vital role in the decision of professional nurses to leave the profession and seek work in other industries to satisfy their needs. Professional nurses stop nursing practice and opt to stay in non-healthcare professions. Hence, this study aims to provide empirical insights on the lives of registered nurses after nursing practice. The researchers utilized a qualitative research design, specifically transcendental phenomenology by Clark Moustakas (1994). The data were gathered using a self-made questionnaire with eight participants from San Pablo City, Laguna, who were selected through the non-probability purposive sampling technique. The transcripts were analysed thematically using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and NVivo application, and six major themes were derived, namely Transition and Personal Growth, Advancing Career and Cultivating Values, Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships in Career Transition, Evolution of Interpersonal Skills and Strategies, Adaptation to New Environment and Challenges, and Reflection on Career Path and Identity. The results suggest that changing careers offers opportunities for enhancing professional abilities as individuals adapt to their new environments, leveraging skills acquired from previous roles.