Nurses' experiences responding to a devastating earthquake: the Kahramanmaraş case

BACKGROUND: The roles of nurses in disaster response are noteworthy due to their contributions to the well-being and resilience of healthcare workers and affected communities. The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting the caregiving competence of nurses with experience of disaster interventions. METHODS: A qualitative research design with a descriptive phenomenology approach was used. Data were collected from July-December 2023 with participation of 22 nurses, face-to-face with a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form. Colaizzi’s seven-step method and MAXQDA 20 were used to analyze the data. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies was used. RESULTS: Through in-depth analysis of the data obtained, three themes of inadequate preparedness and coordination, challenges due to the nature of the disaster and full preparedness for disaster emerged. CONCLUSIONS: In this research, it was determined that inadequate organizational preparation negatively impacted the caregiving competence of nurses. Additionally, the findings of the study support the need for comprehensive training related to disaster and emergency care nursing in order to be prepared for disasters. Examining nurses’ experiences during disaster response can make a meaningful contribution to improving disaster policies. In disaster response, nurses struggle with many difficulties arising from environmental, administrative, individual and educational factors. Nurses need to be psychologically strengthened for possible disaster response. The results of academic studies should be taken into account in the formation of disaster-related policies. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.