The Challenges of Emergency Nurses Team in In Working in Active Conflict area

Abstract

Background: Large-scale emergencies, especially in armed conflict zones, present significant emotional and professional challenges for nurses. In the Middle East, particularly Palestine, recent instability and violence have led to overwhelming workloads in emergency departments (EDs). Nurses, as the largest group of frontline responders, play a crucial role in managing catastrophic incidents and addressing the health needs of affected populations. Aim: This study aims to identify and analyze the challenges faced by emergency nurses in Palestine who work in active conflict zones. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive study design was employed. The research was conducted across emergency departments in seven hospitals located in the North, Middle, and South regions of 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. Result: 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 challenges in emergency as the result mention Inadequate number of nurses and physician  with percent 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. Recommendation: It is necessary to provide an adequate number of nurses in emergency department to handle the challenges. Qualitative study and other study to understand more about challenge.