Palestinian nurses' lived experiences working in the occupied West Bank

Area of Science:

• Nursing and Midwifery
• Global Health
• Middle Eastern Studies

Background:

• The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the separation wall have led to severe movement and healthcare access restrictions for Palestinians.
• These conditions have resulted in increased poverty and created unexplored challenges for nurses in the occupied West Bank.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of Palestinian nurses working within the occupied West Bank.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted.
• Interviews were carried out with Palestinian nurses employed in public hospitals in the West Bank.

Main Results:

• Seventeen nurses shared their experiences, detailing trauma, humiliation, and role conflicts.
• Nurses reported political bias and blurred professional boundaries.
• Despite challenges, nurses demonstrated resilience fueled by their commitment to care and a sense of moral duty.

Conclusions:

• Nurses in conflict zones endure layered trauma, with Palestinian nurses in the West Bank facing additional professional hardships.
• The study offers firsthand accounts of the distinct challenges faced by nurses in occupied territories.
• Findings underscore the need for practice improvements and provide insights for policymakers and global health organizations.