This study utilized a descriptive phenomenological design to explore the lived experiences of private hospital nurse managers in Iloilo City during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the use of snowball sampling, six participants participated in detailed interviews using validated questionnaires as a guide, with anchoring from the human becoming theory of Rosemarie Parse, which exemplifies the dynamic and co-creative process of becoming, from nurse managers to nurse leaders. The collected data from these interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis and the 7-Steps Phenomenological Descriptive Methods outlined by Colaizzi (1978). Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, nurse managers grappled with (1) setbacks like pervasive fear, psychological distress, public oppression, novel disease, training challenges, policy adaptation, transition adjustments, resource shortages, and innovation; (2) embodied the crucial attributes of becoming a family leader, fostering effective communication, promoting holistic wellness, bearing critical leadership, and building collaborative synergies; and (3) profoundly experienced notable progress such as self-growth, spirituality, and self-realization. The lived experiences of hospital nurse managers faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they also cultivated positive attributes and achieved notable progress. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable resource for creating plans, implementing programs, and providing support in similar contexts. Indeed, becoming a nurse leader is embracing transformation, navigating complexities, and unlocking transformational leadership by reaching new levels of growth.

Keywords: leaders’ journey, nurse manager, private hospital, lived experiences, Colaizzi method, Covid-19 pandemic