Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Nursing, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord
Abstract
Background: Today disasters, natural and man‑made, are a part of many people’s lives. Iran
has a long history of disaster events. Nurses are one of the most significant groups within
Iranian disaster relief operations, providing immediate and longer term care for those affected
by the disaster. However, the competence of Iranian nurses and their training for this work
has received little attention. This paper presented the results of a study aimed to explore the
context. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was performed in 2012 in Iran. Interviews
were conducted with 35 nurses. The sampling of participants was purposeful and continued
until data saturation was achieved. Themes were identified using inductive qualitative content
analysis. Trustworthiness of the study was supported considering auditability, neutrality,
consistency, and transferability. Findings: Data analysis undertaken for the qualitative study
resulted in the identification of five main themes included 1‑management competences,
2‑ ethical and legal competences, 3‑team working, 4‑personal competences, and specific
technical competences that presented in this report. Conclusions: This report presents an
overview of nursing competences required for Iranian nurses in disaster relief. It is argued that
additional competencies are required for nurses who care in high‑risk situations, including
disaster. Nurses need to prepare themselves more effectively to be responsible and effective
in the nursing care.
Keywords
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