Michael Joel Apas

Clinical Practice Educator London, United Kingdom

Abstract Title: The Journey of Emergency Room Nurses with Compassionate Fatigue in Selected Hospitals of Agusan del Sur

Biography:

Michael Joel Apas is a UK Clinical Practice Educator whose work quietly reshapes nursing education. Over the past decade, he has led groundbreaking initiatives for internationally educated nurses, creating learning frameworks that enhance competence, integration, and cultural cohesion. His innovative programs have earned multiple national accolades, including Outstanding Teacher of the Year and Innovative Teacher awards, and nominations as a finalist for the Nursing Times Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year. Beyond formal recognition, Michael’s achievements lie in the professionals he empowers, the standards he elevates, and the transformative influence he exerts on healthcare education across the UK.

Research Interest:

Compassion is integral to nursing practice; however, sustained exposure to patients’ suffering may predispose nurses to compassion fatigue, characterized by emotional, psychological, and physical exhaustion. This study explored the lived experiences of nurses with compassion fatigue and its perceived impact on nursing care. An interpretative phenomenological approach guided by Van Manen’s method of analysis was employed to elucidate the meaning embedded in participants’ narratives. Nine registered nurses were purposively selected and participated in in-depth interviews.

Three overarching themes emerged. Padayon luyo sa Kakapoy (Caring Despite Exhaustion) captures nurses’ sustained commitment to caregiving despite profound fatigue. Kawad-on sa Koneksiyon sa Pag-amuma Mahitungod sa Kalagot(Lack of Connection Due to Anger) reflects emotional withdrawal and frustration attributed to perceived lack of validation and recognition of professional efforts. Tinunay nga Pagkamaloloy-on (Merciful Nature Among Nurses) highlights the intrinsic compassion that motivates nurses to continue giving of themselves, even at personal cost.

Reflective analysis further revealed three sustaining values underlying compassionate practice: Pakiglambigit (relational engagement and shared inner self), Pagbati (heightened empathic sensitivity), and Kaaghop (innate kindness and generosity).

Findings informed the development of targeted intervention programs Project SMILES, Project HOPE, and Project JOY—designed to promote stress management, professional support, and reflective self-awareness. The study positions compassion fatigue as both an occupational risk and a byproduct of deeply humanistic nursing care, underscoring the need for structured institutional support to sustain nurse well-being and quality patient care. Keywords: Compassionate Fatigue, Emergency Nurses, Compassion, Agusan del Sur, Interpretive Phenomenology