The experiences of nurses working in an earthquake region and the effect of these experiences on their professional approaches: a qualitative study.

BACKROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nurses’ experiences on their professional approaches during the earthquake in Turkey, which was called the disaster of the century. METHODS: Phenomenological research, a qualitative research design, was applied in this study. This qualitative study included 42 volunteer nurses. In this study, focus group interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire and nurses’ feelings about their disaster experiences were evaluated. Interviews were conducted using face-to-face interview technique. Braun and Clarke’s phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The themes obtained from the analysis of the data were as follows: Negative feelings towards what was encountered in the earthquake zone (Sadness, helplessness, fear, disorder, confusion, hopelessness); positive feelings due to being in the earthquake zone to help (Volunteerism, feeling proud/helpful); Ensuring professional unity (Effort to fulfill the profession despite the scarce materials and conditions, realizing the sanctity of the profession, increasing commitment to the profession and loving the profession more). CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that nurses working in earthquake zones experienced an increase in their sense of the sanctity of their profession, compassion, and commitment to professional discipline, and that these were important factors that improved their professional performance and strengthened their commitment to their profession. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.