Lived Experiences of Filipino Nurses Working in the Medical and Surgical Departments of Darlington Memorial Hospital, United Kingdom

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Published: Apr 23, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56741/bikk.v5i01.1164
Keywords:
Filipino Nurses, Lived Experiences, Medical and Surgical, United Kingdom

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Jezalyn O. Vargas
Darlington Memorial Hospital
Jane M. Tagum-Briones
University of Saint Anthony
Cyril B. Romero
University of Saint Anthony
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4047-3035
Carlen Lagyap De Villa
University of Saint Anthony

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of twenty-six (26) Filipino nurses working in the medical and surgical departments of Darlington Memorial Hospital (DMH), United Kingdom. Using a descriptive research design and a self-developed, expert-validated survey, the study examined their cultural adaptation, workplace environment, and support systems. It also analyzed the relationship between their demographic profiles (age, sex, civil status, length of service, and department) and these experiences. The results showed that most respondents were young (31–40 years old), female, married, and relatively new to DMH (1–3 years of service), with many working in the Operating Room. Overall, participants expressed positive experiences (grand mean = 3.16), with the workplace environment receiving the highest rating (mean = 3.29, "Strongly Agree"), particularly in understanding local healthcare practices. Cultural adaptation received the lowest rating (mean = 3.08, "Agree"), with participation in local community events identified as the most challenging aspect. Statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between age and all aspects of lived experience, between civil status and both cultural adaptation and support systems, and between length of service and both cultural adaptation and workplace environment. No significant association was found between department type and the nurses’ lived experiences. Based on these findings, the study recommends implementing culturally sensitive training, language and technical skills development, mentorship programs, enhanced mental health support, and community engagement initiatives. It also encourages experienced Filipino nurses to mentor newcomers and suggests that relevant Philippine agencies support these professionals through housing assistance and active workplace engagement.

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How to Cite
Vargas, J. O., Tagum-Briones, J. M., Romero, C. B., & De Villa, C. L. (2026). Lived Experiences of Filipino Nurses Working in the Medical and Surgical Departments of Darlington Memorial Hospital, United Kingdom. Buletin Ilmu Kebidanan Dan Keperawatan, 5(01), 40–49. https://doi.org/10.56741/bikk.v5i01.1164
Issue
Vol. 5 No. 01 (2026): Buletin Ilmu Kebidanan dan Keperawatan
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Jezalyn O. Vargas, Darlington Memorial Hospital

is a Licensed Professional Teacher, a Philippine Registered Nurse, and a Staff Nurse in the General Outpatient Department at Darlington Memorial Hospital, United Kingdom. She has attended various professional trainings and seminars to strengthen her expertise in nursing practice and education. Her professional interests include patient care, health education, clinical practice, and interdisciplinary learning. She is committed to advancing healthcare quality through evidence-based practice and continuous professional development. (email: jezavargas1.9@gmail.com).

Jane M. Tagum-Briones, University of Saint Anthony

is a faculty member, Research Coordinator, and Program Head of the Master of Arts in Nursing at the University of Saint Anthony, Philippines. She holds dual licensure as a registered pharmacist and nurse. Her work focuses on graduate nursing education, curriculum development, and research mentoring, with extensive experience in guiding students and advancing scholarly work in healthcare education. (email: jbriones@usant.edu.ph).

Cyril B. Romero, University of Saint Anthony

is a researcher and full professor in the Graduate School (Master of Arts in Nursing) at the University of Saint Anthony, Philippines. She is also affiliated with the Indonesian Institute of Science and Technology Research, where she contributes to international academic collaborations. Her expertise includes nursing research, academic publishing, and digital communication, and she frequently serves as publication chair in international conferences. (email: romerocyrilb@gmail.com).

Carlen Lagyap De Villa, University of Saint Anthony

is a Clinical Instructor at the College of Health Care Education Department, University of Saint Anthony, Philippines. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery from Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges in Nabua, Camarines Sur in 2007 and simultaneously pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the same year. In 2023, she completed her Master of Arts in Nursing and received her certification as a Certified Research Specialist. As a Clinical Instructor, she contributes to the academic and practical development of nursing students, ensuring they receive comprehensive training in clinical settings. (email: carlenldevilla@gmail.com).

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Received 2025-06-27
Accepted 2026-04-23
Published 2026-04-23

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