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Republic of the Philippines

Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology


Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED

CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the findings of the researchers on the experiences of nurse

educators who preferred to serve in the Philippines. The findings were presented,

analyzed, and interpreted according to the order of the themes that arose during

interviews.

Figure 5.

The Emerged Themes from the Study

Figure 5 shows the six main themes from the study which are Theme 1. Vocational

Fulfillment in Teaching Profession, Theme 2. Anchored By Affection, Theme 3.

Teaching and Classroom Management Hurdles, Theme 4. Workplace Dilemmas, Theme

5. Perks of Commitment and Theme 6. Enhancement Horizons.


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1. Factors that influenced the decision of participants to serve in the Philippines

as full-time nurse educators

This section examined the various factors that influenced participants' decisions to

become full-time nurse educators in the Philippines. Most of the participants commented

on several significant subjects, including Vocational fulfillment in teaching, which

tackled Professional Calling, In-demand profession, and Teaching Fulfillment, as well as

Comfort zone and Family influence under the subject Anchored by Profession. These

variables had a significant impact on their decision to accept their role as nurse educators.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these complex factors could be essential for

effectively promoting the recruitment and retention of highly skilled nurse educators.

Main Theme 1. Vocational Fulfillment in Teaching Profession

Exploring vocational fulfillment in the teaching profession revealed a complex

interplay of professional calling, in-demand professions, and teaching fulfillment. This

pursuit encompassed educators' deep-seated sense of calling, the pressing need for skilled

professionals, and the rewards inherent in the act of teaching.

Kowalska et al. (2024) asserted that the job role of a nurse educator provides an

exceptional type of fulfillment for oneself. Engaging in knowledge dissemination,

motivating students, and making contributions to the nursing field could yield profound

rewards. Educators frequently commended themselves on the accomplishments and

contributions of students and developed profound connections with them.


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Figure 6.

Vocational Fulfillment in Teaching Profession

Figure 6 shows the three Sub-themes under the Main theme 1. Vocational

Fulfillment in Teaching which are Subtheme 1.1 Professional Calling, Subtheme 1.2 In

Demand Profession, and Subtheme 1.3 Teaching Fulfillment.

Sub-theme 1.1 Professional Calling. This centered on the inherent

acknowledgment and acceptance of teaching as a vocational calling. It highlighted the

transition from regarding teaching solely as a professional option to recognizing it as a

profoundly fulfilling and purpose-driven endeavor. This emphasized the inherent sense of

mission and commitment that educators developed while performing their profession.

As the participant stated, "Actually, it was also not my choice, but I think now that

I'm in academia, it is a calling. When I observed that, 'Oh, I give some knowledge and
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experience in clinical studies to my students,” and I think that’s the thing that I really

decided, yeah, I really need to pursue this profession."

According to Kowalska et al. (2024), nursing was considered a noble and rewarding

profession that offered a wide range of opportunities and specialties. While the bedside

provided direct patient care for many, others found their calling in teaching and guiding

the next generation of nurses. These individuals became nurse educators, playing a vital

role in shaping the future of nursing.

Sub-theme 1.2 In-demand professions. Nursing's high demand in the Philippines

prompted many to choose full-time careers as nurse educators. With a shortage of trained

nursing practitioners, nurse educators were crucial. This emphasized the feasibility and

societal value of pursuing a career in nursing education. As a result, individuals felt

compelled to contribute to the education and training of future nurses, recognizing the vital

role they played in addressing the healthcare needs of the nation.

As the participant stated, "When I chose kasi 'yung nursing, in demand ang nursing

noon."

(When I chose nursing, it was because nursing was in demand back then.)

The high demand for nursing as a profession had a significant impact on individuals'

decisions to pursue positions as nurse educators in the Philippines. This recognition of

nursing as a desirable profession underscores the importance of addressing the shortage of

nurse educators to meet the growing demand for qualified nursing practitioners.

Jarosinski et al. (2021) stated that "The scarcity of nursing faculty was a matter of

national concern as it coincided with a growing demand for qualified RNs. Aging faculty,
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impending retirements, and inability to fill vacant positions were major factors in this

shortage."

Sub-theme 1.3 Teaching Fulfillment. Being a full-time nurse educator wasn’t just

a career choice for participants; it's a deeply fulfilling vocation. Watching students learn

and grow, as well as influencing the future of healthcare, was what drove their dedication

to nurse education.

As the participant stated, "Personally, yung fulfillment, I think that would be a

calling kasi parang ganon eh, parang masaya kang nagtuturo sa mga estudyante, lalo na

kapag alam na alam mo yung ituturo mo sa kanila, tapos they approach you na 'Sir ganito

pala yung ano' so parang ano, it will be on my part fulfilling para sa akin. Kaya minsan

matawag ka 'Ayan si Sir, ayan yung walking MS natin' nakakataba ng puso at the same

time kasi naappreciate ng mga bata yung ginagawa mo, ganon."

(Personally, I find fulfillment in teaching—it feels like a calling to me. It brings joy

to teach students, especially when you know exactly what you're teaching them, and then

they come to you saying, 'Sir, so this is how it is.' It's fulfilling for me. That's why sometimes

they call you, 'There's Sir, our walking MS.' It warms my heart because the kids appreciate

what you're doing.)

According to Houck (2023), clinical nurse educators helped future generations by

preparing and shaping nurses with the skills, knowledge, and passion for nursing. Many

nurses developed relationships with students and experienced the fruit of their labor by

watching them grow throughout their careers. Nurse educators for patients and the public

alike often saw the value of their work in the improved health of the population they served.
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Knowing their hard work had contributed to the health and welfare of others was incredibly

satisfying.

Main Theme 2. Anchored by Affection

This section examined the factors that influenced participants' decisions to serve

as full-time nurse educators in the Philippines within Anchored by Affection. Two key

aspects were explored: comfort zone and family influence. Comfort Zone highlighted the

role of familiarity and emotional security in career choices, while family influence

emphasized the impact of loved ones on aspirations. This highlighted the enduring power

of affection in guiding individuals towards meaningful professional roles and

underscored its importance in navigating life's vital decisions.

Figure 7.

Anchored by Affection

Figure 7 shows the two Sub-themes under the Main theme 2. Anchored by

Affection which are Sub-theme 2.1 Comfort zone and Sub-theme 2.2 Family influence.
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Sub-theme 2.1 Comfort Zone. Illustrating the challenges nurse educators faced

when stepping out of their comfort zones highlighted the significance of familiarity and

security in their professional roles. The comfort zone represented a state where they felt at

ease and in control, making it crucial to navigate any transitions thoughtfully.

As it stated by the participant, “I don't want to be uprooted. I'm in my comfort

zone. I think, more or less, you can think of me as a chicken. Alam mo 'yung chicken?

'Yung mahina 'yung loob. I'm a chicken. Because I don't want to leave my comfort zone”.

( I don't want to be uprooted. I'm in my comfort zone. I think, more or less, you

can think of me as a chicken. Do you know about chicken? The weak one. I'm a chicken.

Because I don't want to leave my comfort zone)

This statement resonated with the challenges that nurse educators faced when

stepping out of their comfort zones, emphasizing the significance of familiarity and

security in their professional roles. Staying in comfort zones evoked a sense of belonging

and security; nurse educators sought stability and familiarity within their professional

environments to navigate challenges effectively.

Sub-theme 2.2 Family Influence. Family influence was a significant factor for

nurse educators who opted to serve in the Philippines and pursued a career as nurse

educators. In Filipino society, familial bonds were frequently strong, and individuals may

have placed greater importance on maintaining proximity to their families rather than

seeking professional prospects elsewhere. A significant number of participants may have

had a sense of obligation or accountability to provide care for elderly parents, assist

siblings, or remain near proximity to extended family members.


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As the participant stated, "Because siguro one of the reasons kasi is nandito yung

family, and ‘yun nga nagkaroon din ako ng anak, parang mahirap kasing hiwalay sa anak

eh, ’yun ang feeling ko ah. Dito kasi, stable naman ako, in the Philippines."

(One of the reasons was that my family was here, and also because I had a child.

It was hard to be separated from your child, that's how I felt. Here, I was stable, in the

Philippines.)

According to Dahl et al. (2021), family considerations, along with economic and

emotional factors, could strongly influence a nurse's decision to stay in the Philippines

rather than pursue opportunities abroad.

2. Challenges that the participants experienced as nurse educators

This section explored the challenges experienced by nurse educators,

encompassing both teaching and classroom management hurdles, as well as

workplace dilemmas. In terms of teaching and classroom management, participants

cited challenges related to student behavior, and stress levels associated with handling

students. Additionally, workplace challenges included heavy workloads and low

salaries. These various challenges collectively highlighted the complexities and

pressures faced by nurse educators in their professional roles.

Main Theme 3. Teaching and Classroom Management Hurdles

In the dynamic landscape of nursing education, nurse educators encounter

a multitude of challenges, particularly in teaching and classroom settings. These


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challenges encompassed the behavior of the students, and stress levels in handling the

students. Some participants felt overwhelmed by disruptive behavior, or high stress levels

in handling students. These challenges not only tested the educator's patience and

adaptability but also significantly impacted the quality of education delivered.

The study conducted by the Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology

(2019) emphasized the significant impact of students' environmental attitudes on their

commitment to sustainability and resonated with the teaching and classroom management

challenges faced by nurse educators, particularly regarding behavior, and stress levels in

handling students. Nurse educators had to navigate varying student attitudes and

behaviors towards sustainability, balancing engagement strategies to promote

environmental awareness among all students effectively. Integrating sustainability

education into nursing curricula required proactive approaches to engage students,

address criticism constructively, and manage stress effectively, ultimately encouraging

pro-environmental behaviors among future nurses.

Figure 8.

Teaching and Classroom Management Hurdles


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Figure 8 shows the two Sub-themes under the Main theme 3. Classroom and

Teaching Management Hurdles which are Sub-theme 3.1 Behavior of the students and

Sub-theme 3.2 Stress level in handling students.

Sub-theme 3.1 Behavior of the Students. Behavioral challenges among students

presented significant obstacles for nurse educators. These challenges ranged from

disruptive behavior, lack of engagement, and disrespect to conflicts and diverse learning

styles.

As the participant stated, “The behavior of the students, the attitudes. Siguro sa

generations ngayon, matatanggap natin, ang hindi lang siguro namin tanggap ay yung

different from our behavior to this generation.”

(The behavior of the students, the attitudes. With the current generation, we can

accept it, what we might not accept is how different our behavior is from this generation.)

This statement emphasized that while there was an acceptance of the behavior and

attitudes of today’s students, there was also an acknowledgment of the challenge of

adapting to these differences, particularly when they diverged significantly from the

norms or expectations of previous generations.

In the research study entitled The Impact Student Behavior Has on Learning by

Kirkpatrick (2019), it was found that the amount of stress that a teacher feels daily has

grown tremendously within the last few years in the education world. Teachers have

spent a large portion of time and effort on how to improve the behaviors of students and

the causes of those behaviors.


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Sub-theme 3.2 Stress Level in Handling Students. The responsibility of

educating and mentoring students while managing diverse learning needs, behaviors, and

expectations was demanding. Nurse educators experience stress when dealing with

challenging behaviors, addressing academic difficulties, or managing conflicts among

students.

As the participant stated “So siguro sunod lang kasi siya isa, dalawa, tatlong

group kasi siyang nahandle kong medyo nafufrustrate lang ako, frustration lang siya.”

(So, it's just that handling one, two, or three groups at once was a bit frustrating

for me; it was more of a frustration.)

The statement suggested that the nurse educator may have felt frustrated when

handling multiple groups of students simultaneously. The frustration likely stemmed

from the challenge of managing the needs, behaviors, and progress of multiple student

groups effectively.

Another statement from the participant claimed “Maybe the stress level. Sabihin

natin stress level ay nandun palang naman sa moderate. So maybe doon lang sa severe

doon ako mahihirapan.”

(Maybe the stress level. Let's say the stress level is still at a moderate level. It may

be only when it becomes severe that I will have a hard time).

In the context of nurse educators, this could have implied that they currently felt

adequately equipped to manage the stress associated with their role, such as handling

student needs, academic responsibilities, and other duties. However, if the stress level
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were to escalate to severe levels, they anticipated experiencing greater difficulty in

managing their responsibilities effectively.

Main Theme 4. Workplace Dilemmas

As pillars of nurse education, nurse educators confronted a multitude of

workplace challenges that significantly impacted their professional journey. From the

weight of heavy workloads to the strain of low salaries, these challenges not only tested

their resilience and dedication but also profoundly influenced their job satisfaction and

overall well-being.

The results of a study conducted by Jarosinski et al. (2021) titled "Nurse Faculty

Shortage: Voices of Nursing Program Administrators" highlighted the difficulties faced

by nursing educators in their workplace, such as rising faculty workloads, disparities in

academic and practice pay, and staffing challenges. Nurse educators often experience

heavy workloads due to the demands of preparing lectures, grading assignments,

conducting research, and providing individualized student support. Additionally,

disparities in pay between academic roles and clinical practice can lead to feelings of

undervaluation and financial strain among nurse educators. Moreover, the deterioration in

workplace climate highlighted in the study can contribute to a negative work environment

for nursing educators, affecting their job satisfaction and ability to meet the needs of their

students effectively. These challenges posed significant barriers to achieving teaching

excellence, quality student outcomes, and faculty satisfaction in nursing education.


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Figure 9.

Workplace Dilemmas

Figure 9 shows the two Sub-themes under Main theme 4. Workplace Dilemmas

which are Sub-theme 4.1 Heavy workload and Sub-theme 4.2 Low salary.

Sub-theme 4.1 Heavy Workload. The workload was often intensified by the

need to provide individualized attention and support to students, manage diverse learning

needs, and stay updated with advances in nursing education and practice. Additionally,

nurse educators also had clinical responsibilities or engaged in outside classroom duties

like community outreach programs, further adding to their workload. Participants often

experienced this challenge firsthand.

As the participant stated, “… ang daming trabaho.”

(...there's a lot of work.)

The statement underscored the significant workload faced by nurse educators,

emphasizing the sheer volume of tasks and responsibilities they were required to manage.
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According to a study by Tentama et al. (2019) entitled The Effect and

Implications of Work Stress And Workload On Job Satisfaction, consistent workload can

positively influence performance, whereas inconsistent workload can negatively impact

performance. This discovery is in direct correlation with the substantial workload that

nurse educators endure. Optimal and consistent workloads have been found to impact

both productivity levels and job satisfaction positively. On the contrary, a workload that

is neither consistent nor excessive can result in tension and a decline in performance,

underscoring the importance of implementing efficient workload management strategies

to promote the health and efficacy of nurse educators.

Subtheme 4.2 Low Salary. Despite the advanced degrees, specialized skills, and

critical role in shaping the future of nursing, nurse educators frequently received lower

salaries compared to other industries. Despite their dedication to the field and the

importance of their work, nurse educators often found themselves needing more support

and satisfaction due to inadequate pay. This discrepancy not only affected their financial

well-being but also impacted job satisfaction.

As the participant stated “Palagay ko ano…yung pag nagpatuloy yung

pagmamaliit sa nurses na nararamdaman namin through sa salary.”

(I think it’s when the feeling of being undervalued as nurses continues through

low salaries.)

Despite their competency and good qualifications, nurse educators felt

disregarded as their incomes remained low. Nurse educators perceived their low pay as a

reflection of their devaluation and underappreciation within the field.


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Daniel (2019) emphasized in his study titled "Effects of Incentives on Employee

Productivity" that the correlation between incentive management and employee

productivity was influenced to some extent by organizational culture. Incentive systems

that are fair and equitable have the potential to foster positive work behavior and increase

productivity. This observation holds significance in relation to the predicament that nurse

educators encounter regarding inadequate compensation, given that a favorable

organizational climate can alleviate the consequences of low wages through the

encouragement of equity and incentives.

3. Benefits and privileges that the participants received by staying in the

Philippines as a nurse educator

This section examined into the various benefits and privileges that nurse educators

receive as a result of their profession, highlighting "Perks of Commitment." Within this

context, several aspects were explored, including lifelong career development, flexible

schedule, educator pride, educational discount, access to medical resources, and paid

holidays. These advantages were highly valued by nurse educators, serving as well-

deserved recognition for their unwavering commitment to their profession and enhancing

their overall satisfaction and well-being.

Main Theme 5. Perks of Commitment

This segment emphasized the importance of the privileges and benefits accessible

to participants who elected to pursue a profession as nurse educators in the Philippines.

As participants reflected on their prospective professional paths and professional

obligations, it became evident that the benefits that lay ahead functioned as persuasive
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motivations to sustain their ongoing commitment. By examining sub- themes including

flexible schedules, educator pride, lifelong career development, access to medical

resources, paid holidays, and educational discounts, it became clear that remaining firmly

established in the nursing education landscape of the Philippines provided not only

stability but also an abundance of prospects for personal and professional development,

satisfaction, and advancement.

Figure 10

Perks of Commitment

Figure 10 shows the six Sub-themes under the Main theme 5. Perks of

Commitment which are Sub-theme 5.1 Lifelong Career Development, Sub-theme 5.2

Flexible Schedule, Sub-theme 5.3 Educator Pride, Sub-theme 5.4 Educational Discount,

Sub-theme 5.5 Access to Medical Resources, and Sub-theme 5.6 Paid Holidays.

Subtheme 5.1 Lifelong Career Development. In the field of nursing education,

the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills by the participants as nurse educators held
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great significance. Fully committed to their roles within the healthcare and education

sectors, they reaped the benefits of numerous opportunities to expand their expertise

continuously. These opportunities provided exposure to cutting-edge advancements in

healthcare, innovative teaching methodologies, and the ever-evolving landscape of

nursing practices.

As the participant stated, “Even though I am already a professional and with

Master’s, I am continuing with my learnings, kasi hindi naman basta natatapos lang

when you graduated RN, USRN, PhD, but still like what is the new trend now the clinical

evidence-based practice.”

(Even though I'm already a professional with a Master's degree, I continue to

pursue further learning because it doesn't just end when you graduate as an RN, USRN,

or with a PhD. There's always something new to learn, like the current trend of clinical

evidence-based practice.)

This emphasis on lifelong learning not only enriched their abilities as educators

but also served as a cornerstone of their professional fulfillment and advancement. The

renewal and updating of skills in healthcare settings were made possible by continuing

education, also known as continued professional development (CPD), as stated by

Mlambo et al. (2021). Healthcare workers were required to periodically update their

abilities so that they could provide better treatment to patients.

Subtheme 5.2 Flexible Schedule. One notable advantage that nurse educators in

academia had over those in hospital settings was the presence of flexible schedules. The

participants highly valued this aspect, as it allowed them to have greater control over
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their work hours and accommodate other personal and professional commitments. Within

the realm of academia, nurse educators frequently possessed a heightened level of

autonomy regarding their work schedules, allowing them to achieve a more harmonious

equilibrium between their professional obligations and personal engagements.

As the participant stated “Of course, if you have a family, you have to take care of

them. It's a long-time shift. Mas maganda ang schedule ng academe kasi. Always na wala

kang klase ng Saturday and Sunday. So, 'yun din 'yung kailangan sa bahay. Saturday,

Sunday, or Friday.”

(Of course, if you have a family, you have to take care of them. It's a long-time

shift. The schedule in academia is better. You never have classes on Saturdays and

Sundays. So, that's also what's needed at home. Saturday, Sunday, or Friday.)

Flexible schedules enabled participants to achieve a harmonious equilibrium

between their roles in the academic realm and their responsibilities at home, ultimately

contributing to their overall well-being and job satisfaction.

According to Malvik (2024), teaching offers a more regular schedule, and it

typically does not include holidays —a huge benefit for those with a family. Nurses with

children or family members needing care might also appreciate teaching situations that

allow them to work primarily from home. There are many education modalities to

customize a schedule, such as online teaching. This variety of options could give a more

flexible schedule than the typical nursing routine.

Subtheme 5.3 Educator Pride. One of the greatest sources of personal

satisfaction and pleasure for the participants was seeing their students achieve their
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professional goals and become registered nurses. It was a great honor for nurse educators

to witness their students succeed in their careers. This emphasized the crucial role they

played in guiding and educating the nursing profession's future leaders and the enormous

influence they had on the field's path.

As the participant stated, “I think as part of the privileges that I'm getting, being a

nurse educator, is seeing my students or later on the product that I have na maging

registered nurse sila, and, of course, to become successful someday.”

(As part of the privileges that I'm getting, being a nurse educator is seeing my

students or, later on, the product that I have become a registered nurse, and, of course, to

become successful someday.)

The sentiment expressed by the participant encapsulated the profound impact and

privilege experienced by nurse educators in witnessing their students achieve success as

registered nurses. It emphasizes the invaluable contribution of nurse educators to the

profession and highlights their ongoing commitment to nurturing and mentoring the next

generation of nurses.

In an article entitled "Top Reasons to Become a Nurse Educator," Moody (2022)

highlighted that a rewarding aspect of being a nursing educator was forming close bonds

with students who shared similar goals and aspirations. Nurse educators had the chance to

mentor students as they navigated the challenging field of nursing, witnessing them grow

from novice students to confident nursing graduates. Many educators found this

opportunity to guide students through their career journey to be one of the most fulfilling

aspects of their role.


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Subtheme 5.4 Educational Discount. The educational discount was perceived by

some nurse educators as a significant privilege provided by specific institutions,

extending benefits beyond individual educators to assist in the educational pursuits of

their staff. This practice fostered an organizational culture of continuous learning and

growth, placing financial assistance and ongoing education support at the forefront of

nurse educators' professional development.

As the participant stated, “ Kung gusto mong mag-aral ng MAN, or kung, ako

kasi tapos na. So kung meron kaming, meron kaming staff, or meron kaming, I mean,

faculty na gusto mong mag- aral naman, so pinapayagan nila and doon is binibigyan nila

ng discounts, yun at mga benefits.”

(If someone wants to pursue a Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN), for example,

although I've completed mine, if there's a staff member or faculty who wants to study,

they allow it and provide discounts and other benefits.)

This statement emphasized how some institutions prioritized the professional

development of nurse educators and colleagues. By offering benefits and discounts for

ongoing education, such as pursuing a Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) while teaching,

they fostered a culture of continuous learning, enhancing skills and knowledge.

According to Malvik (2024), nurse educators also have various opportunities for

advancement and specialization. Nurses who teach have the chance to expand their

portfolio of experience and credentials constantly.

Subtheme 5.5 Access to Medical Resources. Participants recognized the

significance of building relationships within healthcare facilities, as it provided them with


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valuable access to essential medical resources, including vaccines, medications, and

specialized equipment. These connections ensured they could stay informed about the

latest medical developments and maintained a high standard of education in their

teaching practices.

As the participant stated, “Siguro yung ano, no, yung pagiging healthcare worker

na parang yung mga, ahh... tawag doon... yung mga connections natin pagdating sa

hospital. Ahh, example, yung mga vaccines, yung mga medication. Madali natin makuha

kasi andito na tayo, eh.”

(Perhaps, being a healthcare worker, it's like our, um... connections when it

comes to the hospital. For example, vaccines and medications. We can easily get them

because we're already here.)

This underscored the advantage for nurse educators in accessing essential medical

resources through connections within hospitals.

Another statement from the participant, “ Siguro, ang example nito is during the

Covid-19 pandemic. Ahh, ang naging privilege ko is kami yung mga napriority na

saksakan, buong pamilya, buong angkan ko, na... na... priority na vaccine-an so, tingin

ko isa yon kaya parang... ahh, ahh na benefit or privilege as a health care worker.”

(Maybe an example of this is during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ahh, the privilege I

had is that we were prioritized for vaccination, my whole family, my entire clan, for...

for... being vaccinated as a priority. So, I think that's one reason why it's like... ahh, ahh,

a benefit or privilege as a healthcare worker.)


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This pointed out the acknowledgment and advantages given to healthcare workers

during these crucial times, highlighting the significance of their contribution to public

health and safety efforts.

Subtheme 5.6 Paid Holidays. Institutions offered participants the benefit of paid

holidays, which ensured fair compensation for their time spent away from work. This

enhanced the overall job satisfaction and well-being of nurse educators, enabling them to

rejuvenate and re-enter their professions with renewed energy and motivation.

As the participant stated, “Generally, we have more holiday pay kumpara sa

nurse. Hindi necessary double pay, pero may pay kami pag holiday. Kunwari, holy week,

sa nurse papasok ka sa holy week, so double pay talaga yun. Sa amin naman, hindi kami

papasok pero still we have pay.”

(Generally, we get more holiday pay than nurses. It's not always double pay, but

we do receive our salary on holidays. For example, during Holy Week, nurses have to

work and receive double pay, but we don't work and still get paid.)

The statement highlighted the practice of providing compensation for holidays to

nurse educators. While their compensation may not always match the double pay

received by nurses, nurse educators still receive payment for holidays.

According to Knapp's (2024) article, "The Complete Guide to Offering Employee

Benefits in the Philippines," employees in the Philippines are entitled to two types of

holidays, one of which is "regular holidays," during which employees receive a paid day

off and are entitled to double their pay if called upon to work.

4. Recommendations to enhance their work environment as nurse educators


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This section explored the variety of recommendations presented by nurse educators

concerning the improvements they foresaw for the professional setting. Most participants

engaged in discussions about the prominent theme, Enhancement Horizons which tackled

Stress Management Programs, Career-life Balance, Casual Regular Meetings,

Collaborative synergy, and Salary Adjustments/ Compensations. The previously

mentioned recommendations emphasized the critical significance of cultivating a work

environment that not only promotes efficiency but also places a high value on the health

and security of its personnel.

Main Theme 6. Enhancement Horizons

Improving the role of nurse educators necessitated a holistic approach that focused

on enhancing their well-being, communication skills, and compensation. This multifaceted

approach acknowledged the interconnectedness of these aspects in creating a supportive

and fulfilling work environment for nurse educators. By prioritizing their wellness,

fostering effective communication practices, and ensuring fair compensation, we

empowered nurse educators to thrive in their roles, ultimately benefiting both educators

and the nursing profession.


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Figure 11.

Enhancement Horizons

Figure 11 shows the five Sub-themes under the Main theme 6. Enhancement

Horizons which are Sub-theme 6.1 Stress Management Program, Sub-theme 6.2 Career-

life Balance, Sub-theme 6.3 Casual Regular Meetings, Sub-theme 6.4 Collaborative

Synergy, and Sub-theme 6.5 Salary Adjustment/ Compensations.

Subtheme 6.1 Stress Management Program. Participants often experienced high

levels of stress due to the demands of their profession, including lesson planning, grading,

and managing classroom dynamics. The stress management emphasized the need for nurse

educators to unwind, de-stress, and recharge, which could help prevent burnout and

improve overall well-being.

As the participant stated, "Working environment? Siguro lagi lang ano... open

communication, then yung stress."

(I guess it's always about, um, open communication and also managing stress.)
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Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
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According to Ludwig, M., & Hosek, A. (2018), stress management techniques were

important, such as relaxation training, time management, and social support, in mitigating

the negative effects of stress on teacher well-being and job performance. It emphasized the

need for comprehensive approaches to teacher well-being that addressed both individual

and organizational factors.

Subtheme 6.2 Career-life Balance. Career-life balance for nurse educators refers

to finding a harmonious equilibrium between their professional responsibilities as

educators and their personal lives.

As mentioned by the participant, “Tingin ko kailangan din ng work-life balance

ng isa’t-isa.”

(I think it's important for each other to have a work-life balance, as well.)

The participant emphasized the importance of work-life balance, highlighting that

individuals must have a healthy equilibrium between their professional responsibilities and

personal life.

Tran (2023) defined work-life balance as maintaining equal time and energy

between work and personal life, including family, friends, and hobbies, particularly crucial

for nurses. It involved taking breaks, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. This

balance was essential for preventing nursing burnout, ensuring adequate rest, and reducing

stress levels, thereby enhancing job performance.

Subtheme 6.3 Casual Regular Meetings. The workloads and stress of nurse

educators could contribute to burnout. Casual regular meetings were needed to catch up

with their coworkers, to help each other, and promote effective communication and
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Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
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health institutions. These meetings could provide an opportunity for faculty staff to share

their experiences, discuss challenges they were facing, and seek advice from colleagues

who may have encountered similar situations.

As the participant stated, "Isang magandang gawin o i-implement, what else I

think, a regular or monthly meeting, not business or about the school, just a chit-chat

with other faculties siguro."

(A good thing to do or implement, what else I think, is a regular or monthly

meeting, not business or about the school, just a chit-chat with other faculties maybe.)

This could allow nurse educators to build relationships with their colleagues.

These interactions can create a sense of community and camaraderie within the

institution, leading to increased trust, support, and cohesion among educators.

Subtheme 6.4 Collaborative synergy. Nurse educators played a critical role in

shaping the future of nursing by preparing the next generation of nurses. For nurse

educators who preferred to serve in the Philippines, collaborative synergy was a demand

for their profession. It could support professional development, enhance student learning

outcomes, address challenges and opportunities, promote a culture of continuous

improvement, and advance nursing education and practice.

As the participant stated, "Syempre, other to that, yung individual kasama na 'yon

supported dapat 'yan ng institution kung saan ka nagtatrabaho, tulong tulong na 'yon."

(Of course, aside from that, the individual plays a role, and it should be supported

by the institution where you work. It's a collaborative effort.)


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Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
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By working together collaboratively, nurse educators could create a supportive

and dynamic learning environment that prepares nurses to meet the evolving healthcare

needs of society.

According to Armstrong (2018), teacher collaboration provides fellow educators

with opportunities to meet, share insights, create cohesive plans, and work together

effectively.

Subtheme 6.5 Salary Adjustment/ Compensation. Salary compensation in

nurse education refers to the money and benefits that nurse educators receive for their

work. It includes their regular pay, any bonuses they might get, and benefits like health

insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time.

Based on the response of the participant, "The salary and benefits. At least, uh,

there's a little, uh, mahabol yung salary outside the country." "Our parents are waiting

for a return. …so talagang hindi dadami ang nurse educator natin kung van pa rin ang

salary.”

(The salary and benefits, at least, match the salary outside the country.) (Our

parents are waiting for a return. …our nurse educators won't increase if that's the

salary.)

The participant suggested that if the salary remains at its current level, the nurse

educators won't be motivated to stay or increase their efforts.

Hiring and retaining qualified nurse educators was really important for fixing the

lack of nurses and keeping our current nurses in our community. But, the problem of low
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faculty salaries for these nurse educators makes it hard to recruit and retain them,

according to Kroning & Northrup (2023).

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