ICU Nurses’ Lived Experiences of Caring for Patients With Moisture-Associated Skin Damage

Xianxian Zhang, Mary Beth P. Diva and Sheilla M. Trajera
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Xianxian Zhang: Graduate School, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100; Henan Provincial People's Hospital
Mary Beth P. Diva: Clinical Coordinator, College of Nursing, Faculty for BSN, MN, and MAN Programs, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100, Philippines
Sheilla M. Trajera: Graduate School Program Chair for Education and Nursing, Faculty for BSN, MN, MAN, and PhD Programs, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100, Philippines

Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2026, vol. 88, issue 1, 211-225

Abstract: Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) is common in critical care, yet nurses often manage it amid urgent, life-sustaining priorities. This study explored ICU nurses’ lived experiences, challenges, and training needs in caring for patients with MASD in a Chinese tertiary hospital. A descriptive phenomenological design was used. Ten registered ICU nurses with direct MASD care experience participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. We analyzed data using Colaizzi’s seven-step method, strengthening credibility through member checking, reflexive journaling, triangulation, and an audit trail. Results: Three themes emerged: the paradox of experiential expertise, the invisible labor of skin care, and bridging the knowing-doing gap. Nurses described strong practical skills but limited systematic theoretical preparation, inconsistent resources and protocols, competing clinical priorities, and a strong preference for standardized, context-based learning. Conclusion: MASD care competency is shaped by both individual knowledge and organizational conditions. The findings support structured education, consistent protocols, adequate resources, bedside mentorship, and system-level recognition of skin care as a core component of critical care nursing.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:tec:journl:ojs:13832

DOI: 10.47577/tssj.v88i1.13832

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