The Lived Experiences of Nurses in Post-Surgical Wound Management

This study explored the lived experiences of registered nurses in post-surgical wound management using a qualitative phenomenological design. Eight nurses from the surgical ward of a tertiary hospital were purposively selected and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Findings revealed that nurses viewed post-surgical wound management as a process of continuous professional growth while facing challenges related to workload, staffing shortages, limited resources, and complex patient conditions. Clinical decision-making was guided by evidence-based wound assessment, institutional protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning. Although limited to a single clinical setting, the study provides valuable insights into nurses' experiences and underscores the importance of organizational support, continuing professional development, and collaborative practice in improving postoperative wound care and patient outcomes.