Exploring Professional Challenges in Selected Secondary Hospitals in Jolo, Sulu

This study examined the experiences of healthcare workers regarding occupational stress and burnout and explored how these challenges influenced their professional responsibilities. Specifically, it identified the workplace factors contributing to stress, the physical and emotional effects of burnout, coping strategies, and the participants' commitment to maintaining quality patient care. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed, utilizing purposive sampling to select healthcare workers from selected healthcare facilities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that heavy workloads, staff shortages, extended working hours, and emergency situations were the primary sources of occupational stress. Participants also experienced physical fatigue, emotional exhaustion, reduced motivation, and decreased concentration. Despite these challenges, healthcare workers remained committed to providing safe, compassionate, and quality patient care by adopting effective coping strategies and demonstrating professional resilience. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening organizational support systems, promoting employee well-being, and implementing stress management and mental health programs to reduce burnout and improve workforce sustainability. Although the study was limited to selected healthcare facilities, it provides valuable insights for healthcare administrators and future researchers in developing interventions that support healthcare workers' well-being and enhance the quality of patient care.