Abstract
Nurses constitute the largest workforce and are particularly susceptible to heightened stress levels affecting emotional well-being, physical health, and work performance; thus, this study aimed to examine the moderating effect of demographic factors on the relationship between occupational stress and caring behavior. Predictive-correlational design was used in this study. Total enumeration was employed to select the critical care nurses from the different private hospitals in SOCCSKSARGEN to be part of the study. A combination of online and face-to-face data collection consisted of 3 parts: Demographics, the Health & Safety Executive's Work-Related Stress Indicator Tool, and the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24. The study explored how demographic factors such as age, gender, and unit assignment moderate the relationship between occupational stress and caring behaviors among critical care nurses. This research provides a compelling and insightful exploration of the interplay between occupational stress, demographic factors, and caring behavior among critical care nurses. The study's robust methodology and thoughtful analysis highlight significant variables influencing compassionate caregiving in high-stress environments. This work offers valuable implications for improving workplace support and enhancing patient care outcomes by addressing an important gap in nursing research. The researchers are to be commended for their dedication to advancing understanding in this vital area of healthcare. Recommendations include implementing demographic-sensitive interventions, such as stress management training, supportive workplace policies, and wellness programs, to enhance nurse well-being and patient care outcomes. Future research should further examine these dynamics and test targeted interventions to reduce stress and improve caregiving.
