Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Departments of Nursing
2 Departments of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Iran has experienced an increasing number of earthquake disasters in the past
three decades. Due to nurses’ unique role as professional and volunteer responders in times of
disaster, more information is required regarding the capabilities they need to provide more effective
care during the crisis. The aim of this study was to identify professional capabilities needed by nurses
to provide care to the injured of earthquake.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted as a qualitative conventional content
analysis, and data collection was carried out through 16 semi‑structured and in‑depth interviews with
the nurses involved in providing care to the injured in the Kermanshah earthquake. The data were
analyzed following Graneheim and Lundman’s approach.
RESULTS: Data analysis led to the emergence of 427 primary codes, 10 subcategories, and four
categories. The four categories included clinical competence (professional knowledge and clinical
skills), personal competences (communication skills, resiliency, and creativity and innovation
in providing care), ethical competence (commitment to ethics and professional responsibility),
and essential skills in caring for the injured (skills in triage, psychological care skills, and skills in
observation and monitoring)
CONCLUSION: The present study identified a wide range of professional capabilities required by
nurses in disasters. Given that nurses do not acquire some of these specialized and technical skills
during their education, it is recommended to enhance the professional capacity of nurses in disasters.
In addition, special training programs in this field can be incorporated into the curriculum of nursing
programs and in-service nursing education.
Keywords
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