The Challenges of an Emergency Nurse Team Working in an Active Conflict Area

Abstract

Objective: Nurses, as the largest group of frontline responders, play a crucial role in managing catastrophic incidents and addressing the health needs of affected populations. This study aims to identify and analyze the challenges faced by emergency nurses in Palestine who work in active conflict zones.

Methods: A quantitative, descriptive study design was employed. The research was conducted across emergency departments in 7 hospitals located in the West Bank. Data were collected from 171 nurses using a sociodemographic questionnaire and a challenge-specific questionnaire, developed and validated through literature review and expert consultations.

Results: The study revealed that 70% of the nurses were aged between 25-29 years, with 51% being male and 60% married. Most respondents (95%) held a bachelor's degree, 72% had received advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training, and 68% had advanced trauma life support (ATLS) training. Additionally, 76% of the nurses were informed about critical cases before the patients arrived at the hospital. The main challenge during emergencies, as the results mention, are inadequate numbers of nurses and physicians (60%). There was a significant concern regarding whether the number of nurses was sufficient to manage the demands and pressures specific to active conflict environments, with 62% of those in nursing feeling unsafe.

Conclusions: The scope of emergency nurses' challenges in managing several hospitals in areas of armed conflict was examined in this study. The resulting overview of their duties, difficulties, and experiences serves as a useful tool and presents crucial details for future emergency nursing workforce readiness. To perform effectively in armed conflict situations, emergency nurses complete a variety of preparatory courses; however, the necessary education and training should be carefully designed in accordance with their actual roles and responsibilities in these circumstances.

Keywords: West Bank; challenges; emergency nurses.