When Nurses Missed the Required Patient Care: A Case Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: The required nursing care when missed can be detrimental to the life of the patient. This study focused on exploring the insights of nurses when they omit care, identifying the factors contributing to these incidents, and examining how nurses cope with missed nursing, which plays a pivotal role in patient outcomes. Design: Using a qualitative, case study design, data were collected from 10 registered nurses working in ward departments from different hospitals in Iligan City through semi-structured interviews. Results and Discussion: Nurses perceived missed care as a form of malpractice and negligence, as evidenced by the failure to provide essential care in their duty. These occurrences are linked to busy work schedules and stressful work environments. The study also revealed that nurses experience a range of emotions after dealing with missed care including fear and guilt. Seeking support, guidance, and self-reflection are strategies for addressing missed nursing care. Conclusion: Nurses emphasized that using an adaptive strategy can minimize the occurrence of missed care and its emotional impact. The study reveals that nurses suffer a range of emotions but still retain their professional responsibility as nurses. Creating a supportive work environment, promoting ongoing professional growth, and encouraging self-reflection among nurses are essential steps toward reducing missed care incidents.