Exploring Emergency Nurses' Experiences and Challenges in the Triage Process: A Qualitative Study From Turkey

This study explored emergency nurses' lived experiences and perceived challenges during the triage process.

This qualitative study was conducted with 25 emergency department nurses at Atatürk University Research Hospital. Criterion sampling was used to include nurses with direct triage experience. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method. Significant statements were extracted, meanings were formulated, and these were organized into theme clusters. To enhance credibility, 2 researchers conducted the analysis independently, and a consensus was reached through discussion.

Four main themes, 10 sub-themes, and 35 codes were identified. Nurses reported multiple challenges, including lack of institutional support, high patient load, time pressure, and patient dissatisfaction. Decision-making was influenced by both environmental and individual factors. Triage assessment involved a combination of subjective judgment and objective tools. Common errors included misdirection and insufficient questioning. Nurses also suggested improvements related to staffing, training, and organizational conditions.

Triage was experienced as a complex and demanding process shaped by workload, time pressure, and limited support. Findings highlight the importance of organizational and contextual factors in shaping triage practices.