The experiences of nurses deployed to the earthquake zone following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes: A phenomenological study

This study was conducted to explore in depth the thoughts and experiences of nurses assigned to disaster areas. The research was carried out in a qualitative design using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected face-to-face between October 1, 2023, and April 8, 2024, through sociodemographic questionnaires and semi-structured interview forms. The study sample consisted of 13 nurses who were deployed to the earthquake zone and had at least two years of work experience. The sampling strategy was snowball sampling, one of the purposive sampling methods. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA 2024. The analysis yielded seven main themes. Findings revealed that nurses assigned after the disaster were affected physiologically, psychologically, and socially, and were insufficiently prepared. In addition, public and organizational weaknesses following the disaster were identified. In conclusion, it was determined that nurses' preparedness and competencies for disasters need to be strengthened.