# Exploring lived experiences of nurses in managing patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Western Amhara, Northwest Ethiopia: a descriptive phenomenological study

## TL;DR

This study explores the experiences of nurses managing drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia, highlighting both challenges and sources of fulfillment.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into the lived experiences of nurses managing DR-TB in a specific Ethiopian region.

## Key findings

- Nurses found fulfillment through patient engagement, teamwork, and professional development.
- Challenges included patient non-adherence, emotional strain, and resource limitations.
- Psychological strain was significant, but nurses showed resilience through peer support and patient recovery satisfaction.

## Abstract

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) remains a major public health challenge due to its complex regimens and high risk of transmission. Nurses play a crucial role in managing DR-TB patients, yet their lived experiences in this demanding context remain underexplored.

This descriptive phenomenological study aims to explore the lived experiences of nurses in managing patients with DR- TB in Western Amhara, Northwest Ethiopia.

A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted across six health institutions in the Western Amhara region. Sixteen nurses directly involved in DR-TB patient care were selected using criterion-based, heterogeneous purposive sampling. Data were collected through an in-depth face-to- face interview. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step descriptive phenomenological method.

Nurses derived meaning and fulfilment from DR- TB care through patient-centered engagement, collaborative teamwork, ongoing professional development, and providing emotional and practical support. However, they faced significant challenges, including managing patient non-adherence, emotional strain from witnessing patient suffering, and resource constraints that hindered effective care. The psychological impact of DR-TB care was profound, with nurses witnessed patients’ emotional distress and experienced their own emotional fatigue, yet demonstrated resilience through peer support and the satisfaction of seeing patient recovery.

Nurses caring for DR-TB patients navigate a complex interplay of professional fulfillment, systemic challenges, and psychological strain. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted interventions that enhance psychosocial support, expand training opportunities, and address resource gaps. Empowering nurses through multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous professional development is essential to sustain high quality DR-TB care and improve outcomes.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-025-13887-z.