Lived Experiences of Nurses with Postgraduate Studies: a Phenomenological Study

This study explored the lived experiences of 30 nurses in La Union who completed postgraduate studies while balancing work and personal responsibilities. It found that nurses were motivated by career advancement, competence, leadership goals, and improved patient care. They faced challenges such as workload conflict, financial strain, fatigue, time pressure, and emotional stress. To cope, they used time management, spirituality, and social support. Despite difficulties, postgraduate education transformed them by strengthening confidence, critical thinking, leadership, and professional identity. The study concluded that institutional support was necessary to sustain nurses in advanced education.