EXPLORING NURSES’ EXPERIENCES OF RECOMMENDED PATIENT (VIP)CARE: A DESCRIPTIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

This qualitative descriptive phenomenology study investigated the lived experiences of nurses caring for recommended (VIP) patients at Tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Caring for VIP patients presents ethical, emotional, and practical issues that frequently contradict the fundamental nursing values of justice, equity, and patient-centered care. Using purposive sampling, twelve registered nurses with at least three years of clinical experience and past involvement in VIP patient care were selected. Data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews held between October 2025 and March 2026. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and managed using MAXQDA 2020 software. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method, while Lincoln and Guba's criteria were used to guarantee reliability. Four main issues emerged from the analysis: excessive workload and logistical stress; emotional and psychological strain; compromised care and ethical conflict; and the need for institutional assistance and structural reform. Significant stress and emotional tiredness from greater scrutiny and contempt, moral discomfort from justice violations and disturbed clinical triage, and increased effort from strict VIP protocols and staffing imbalances were all mentioned by nurses. Clear standard operating procedures, administrative support, patient and attendant education, and specialized VIP personnel were all highly stressed by the participants. The results show that existing VIP care practices jeopardize nurse well-being and equitable healthcare delivery, underscoring the critical need for institutional and policy-level changes to support moral, sustainable, and equitable nursing care for all patients.