Experiences of Turkish nurses volunteering in the disaster zone following the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake.

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to determine the experiences of Turkish nurses who volunteered in the disaster zone following the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake.

Background: The earthquake devastated 11 cities in Türkiye, which required a comprehensive humanitarian response. Despite the crucial role of nurses in crisis management, limited research exists on their experiences in earthquake zones.

Introduction: Nurses experience difficulties in disaster areas, such as physical conditions, lack of disaster plans, and inadequate disaster training before being deployed to earthquake areas.

Methods: This study used a qualitative research model and case study design. Data were collected through in-depth qualitative interviews. Nine participants who had worked in earthquake zones for at least 5 days were included in the study. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. The purposive sampling method was used, and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines were followed.

Results: As a result, 4 themes, namely physical conditions, psychosocial conditions, professional conditions, and organization, and their 14 subthemes were determined. This study revealed that nurses encountered difficulties related to physical conditions in earthquake zones. Moreover, the emotional burden expressed by the nurses highlighted the profound psychological impact of disaster response.

Conclusion: This study determines that disaster preparedness and support for nurses should be enhanced to improve the arrangement of health services in future calamities.

Implications for nursing policy: The results of this study can be used by nurse managers and healthcare policymakers to create nursing training programs that focus on disaster-related competencies.