Challenges Faced by Nurses’ towards Emergency and Disaster Cases

Abstract

Nurses are health care providers that plays a critical role in mitigating the impact of emergency and disasters on victims and the healthcare system. However, due to lack of training and seminar related to these areas, nurses faced challenges in implementing these competencies. This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by nurses on emergency and disaster cases. A qualitative thematic analysis approach was used. Purposeful sampling was used to select the 12 nurses working in the hospitals in Ilocos Sur regardless of their area of designation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis technique. The inclusion criteria are nurses with at least a year of service regardless of the designated area, while other member of the health care team and without willingness to participate the study was excluded. The study highlights the challenges faced by nurses in responding to emergency and disaster cases, including environmental, and managerial factors. Nurses often lack knowledge, experience, equipment, and medicines, leading to a shortage and increased hiring of newly registered nurses. It also recommends developing disaster plans, improving hospital communication and referral systems, and updating policies and procedures related to disaster nursing to ensure ethical and conflict-free work.