Caring Across Cultures: Exploring Holistic Approaches and Cultural Sensitivity in the Practice of Filipino Nurses in the UAE

This study explored the lived experiences of Filipino nurses in the UAE as they provided culturally sensitive and holistic care in multicultural healthcare settings. Guided by Leininger’s Culture Care Theory, Roy’s Adaptation Theory, Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, and the SEEK method, it used a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design. Eleven Filipino nurses were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected using a structured, open-ended questionnaire and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Findings showed that Filipino nurses practiced holistic care by addressing patients’ physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cultural needs. They demonstrated cultural sensitivity by respecting beliefs, religion, privacy, modesty, communication, and family involvement. Despite challenges such as language barriers, gender preferences, and differing expectations, they showed empathy, adaptability, resilience, and professional growth. The study concludes that culturally responsive and holistic care is essential in multicultural nursing practice