WORK LIFE BALANCE AMONG NURSES WORKING IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IN MATERNITY AND CHILDREN HOSPITAL TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA

Work-life balance is increasingly emerging as a profound global concern, particularly for nurses and other healthcare practitioners, whose capacity to deliver exceptional patient care, the paramount objective of all healthcare institutions is inextricably linked to the preservation of a harmonious work-life equilibrium. This study explored the work-life balance experiences of nurses working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maternity and Children Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Employing a descriptive-qualitative design, the study aimed to understand the challenges these nurses face and the coping strategies they use to manage the demands of their profession and personal lives. A purposive sample of 12 NICU nurses with at least five years of experience was selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focusing on themes related to work-life balance, stress management, and organizational support. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: balancing professional demands with personal life, coping strategies to manage work-related stress, organizational support and flexibility, and challenges of work-life balance in the NICU environment. The results indicated that irregular shifts, long hours, and emotionally taxing work contribute to difficulties in maintaining personal relationships and managing stress. While strategies such as mindfulness, exercise, and family support were helpful, inconsistent organizational support exacerbated these challenges. The findings underscore the need for healthcare institutions to implement flexible scheduling, wellness programs, and mental health resources to improve the work-life balance of NICU nurses.