Perceptions, Motivations and Empowerment Experiences of Nurses in Refugee Camps: Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

To explore the experiences, perceptions, motivations, and empowerment experiences of nurses working in refugee camps.

Refugee camps are frequently marked by resource scarcity, instability, and cultural diversity, shaping how health care is delivered. Nurses are essential in providing care in these settings, yet their experiences remain understudied.

A systematic review and meta-synthesis were conducted using Sandelowski and Barroso's approach. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024541434). Searches were conducted in April 2025 across PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, CuidenPlus, and PsycINFO.

Sixteen articles were included. Eight themes and 28 subthemes emerged, grouped into two meta-themes: (1) Motivations and empowerment experiences; and (2) Challenges faced by nurses. Motivations included prior experiences in international cooperation, inspiration from others, satisfaction from contributing, personal values, and professional and personal development. Challenges were linked to the refugee population, the context, and healthcare delivery.

Findings highlight the importance of addressing systemic and cultural barriers in refugee healthcare. Cross-cultural training, psychological support, and adequate resources are critical to sustaining nurses' well-being and care quality in these challenging settings.

Nurses working in refugee camps navigate a complex balance between strong professional motivation and substantial workplace challenges. Strengthening support systems and improving working conditions are crucial for promoting both nursing well-being and high-quality care in humanitarian contexts.

Nursing education and professional development should integrate cultural competence, communication skills for multilingual settings, and strategies for managing emotional strain in humanitarian environments.

Health policies should prioritize integrated support frameworks that strengthen health systems in refugee contexts, ensure adequate staffing and resources, and provide sustained psychological and organizational support for nurses delivering care in humanitarian settings.