Perspectives and Experts of Human Resource Management in Nursing During Disasters and Emergencies: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Background: Disasters create an environment characterized by chaos and uncertainty, often leaving nurses feeling unsupported by their management. Despite this, nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system’s response during such crises. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perspectives of experts on human resource management in nursing during disasters and emergencies. Methods: This study employed a conventional qualitative content analysis design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 21 experts and disaster managers in Iran between February and April 2025. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, which were audio recorded with participants’ consent, transcribed verbatim into Word documents, and imported into MAXQDA software (Version 2020) for systematic organization and analysis. The data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s (2020) qualitative content analysis method. Results: The analysis of the findings resulted in one main theme, poor nursing human resource management in disasters, and five subthemes, ineffective command process, passive presence and withdrawal, ineffective employment of volunteer nursing, insufficient attention to safety, and insufficient reinforcement of motivation. Conclusion: Given our ongoing observations of nurses’ capabilities during disasters and emergencies, it is expected that the results of this study will aid planners, policymakers, and health sector managers in effectively allocating nursing manpower in potential future disasters. This will improve the quality of services offered to injured individuals and their families during such events.