Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
BMC Nursing, cilt.24, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
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.