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To explore how nurses working in a high-pressure academic healthcare setting in Saudi Arabia conceptualise, experience and sustain resilience in the face of professional stressors.
A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 nurses from diverse clinical and academic backgrounds between March and May 2025. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, incorporating both inductive and interpretive approaches. Researcher reflexivity and methodological rigour were maintained throughout.
Four major themes were identified: (1) Navigating Emotional Demands, which captured nurses' experiences of compassion fatigue and emotional resilience; (2) Support Systems and Collegial Ties, emphasising peer collaboration and mentorship; (3) Organisational Culture and Leadership, which highlighted the role of managerial support, workload policies and institutional climate; and (4) Adaptive Coping Strategies and Personal Development, including mindfulness, spirituality and continuous learning. These themes demonstrate the multilevel nature of resilience, shaped by personal attributes, interpersonal relationships and systemic factors.
Nurses develop resilience through an interplay of individual, relational and organisational strategies. Supportive leadership, collegial networks and opportunities for professional growth are critical in mitigating stress and preventing burnout. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, system-wide interventions that embed emotional safety, reflective practice and mentorship into healthcare settings. Future research should evaluate the impact of resilience-oriented policies on workforce retention and patient care outcomes.
The mental health and well-being of nurses are critical issues in health care, particularly following the increased stressors introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses frequently experience burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion due to systemic issues such as staffing shortages, heavy workloads, and limited access to mental health resources. These challenges not only affect nurses' well-being but also impact the quality of patient care. Organizational support plays a pivotal role in mitigating these issues, yet the lived experiences of nurses regarding such support remain underexplored.
This Study Aimed to Explore Nurses' Lived Experiences of Organizational Support and Its Impact on Their Mental Health Recovery, With a Focus on Identifying Actionable Strategies for Improvement.
A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to gain deep insights into nurses' experiences. Twenty nurses from various healthcare facilities in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia, were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes.
Three main themes emerged: (1) Supportive Leadership, highlighting the critical role of empathetic and communicative leadership in fostering well-being; (2) Systemic Barriers, including staffing shortages, heavy workloads, and limited access to mental health resources; and (3) Workplace Wellness Culture, reflecting the influence of stigma, peer support, and the practicality of wellness programs on mental health recovery. These themes underscore the interconnected nature of leadership, systemic issues, and workplace culture in supporting nurses' mental health.
The findings suggest several actionable strategies, including leadership training programs to foster empathy and communication, policies to address systemic barriers, tailored and accessible wellness programs, and initiatives to reduce mental health stigma. These interventions are essential for creating supportive environments that prioritize nurses' well-being and enhance their ability to deliver high-quality care.
To explore how nurses facilitate social connectivity among older adults in virtual age-friendly communities in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia by serving as digital bridges and emotional anchors. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in enhancing digital literacy and reducing social isolation among older adults.
A qualitative study.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and August 2024 with 12 older adult participants and 10 nurse participants involved in virtual age-friendly community initiatives in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were analysed using a hybrid approach that combined deductive thematic analysis—guided by socio-technical systems theory and relationship-centred care principles—with inductive analysis to identify key themes related to digital facilitation, emotional support and social connectivity.
The findings indicate that nurse-led digital and emotional support significantly enhances older adults' digital literacy and emotional well-being, leading to improved social connectivity. Nurses acting as digital bridges provided essential technical guidance, while their role as emotional anchors offered empathetic support that mitigated feelings of isolation. However, challenges such as technical issues, resource limitations and cultural factors moderated the overall effectiveness of these interventions.
The study underscores the pivotal role of nurse-led interventions in promoting social connectivity among older adults in virtual settings. Future research should explore strategies to overcome technical and resource-related barriers and further integrate culturally sensitive approaches to optimise the benefits of digital health initiatives.
Healthcare practitioners and policymakers should prioritise the implementation of nurse-led digital and emotional support programmes to reduce social isolation and improve the overall quality of life for older adults. Culturally tailored interventions are essential to address the unique needs of ageing populations in the digital era.
The study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
The insights obtained from older adult participants and nurses provided critical understanding of the dynamics and impact of digital and emotional support within virtual age-friendly communities.
To explore the impact of simulation-based training on communication and empathy skills among nurses working with elderly patients in the Abha region of Saudi Arabia. The study also aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to applying these skills in real-world clinical practice.
A qualitative study.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and July 2024 with 17 nurses from urban and rural healthcare settings in the Abha region. Data were analysed using both deductive framework analysis, guided by social support theory, and inductive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to communication, empathy, and the application of simulation-based skills in practice. We adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.
The study involved 17 participants aged 22–50 years, with diverse educational backgrounds and work experience. The findings indicated that simulation-based training significantly improved nurses' confidence in delivering difficult news and their ability to empathise with elderly patients. Nurses working in urban settings with regular access to simulation training reported better outcomes compared to those in rural settings with less frequent training opportunities.
Simulation-based training has a positive impact on enhancing communication and empathy skills among nurses, but challenges in real-world application remain. Efforts should be made to improve the accessibility of simulation training and address the barriers preventing its effective implementation in clinical practice.
Healthcare practitioners and policymakers should prioritise simulation-based training in nursing education and professional development to improve the quality of care for elderly patients.
The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
The engagement and interview data from nursing participants provided valuable insights into the impact of simulation-based training on communication and empathy in elderly care.
To explore the impact of intergenerational relationships on the social resilience of elderly populations in Arab societies. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the factors that influence the quality of these relationships and their role in enhancing or diminishing the resilience of older adults.
A qualitative study.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and July 2024 with 12 elderly participants from urban and semi-urban communities in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were analysed using both deductive framework analysis, guided by social support theory, and inductive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to intergenerational relationships and social resilience.
The study involved 12 participants aged 61–85 years (average age of 72 years), with a mix of educational backgrounds and living arrangements. Strong intergenerational ties were found to significantly enhance social resilience by providing emotional support and a sense of security. Participants in multi-generational households reported more positive outcomes compared to those with less frequent family contact. However, generational differences and modern-life pressures posed challenges to maintaining these relationships.
The findings underscore the importance of fostering strong intergenerational relationships to support the social resilience of elderly populations in Arab societies. Future research should explore interventions that bridge generational gaps and strengthen family ties, particularly in the context of evolving social structures.
Healthcare practitioners and policymakers should consider the role of intergenerational relationships when designing interventions aimed at improving the well-being and resilience of older adults in a culturally sensitive approaches.
The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
The engagement and interview data from elderly participants provided valuable insights into the dynamics of intergenerational relationships and their impact on social resilience.
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