Experiences of nursing students providing support in disaster areas: A qualitative study

This study was conducted as a qualitative inquiry to deeply explore the thoughts and experiences of nursing students involved in support activities in disaster areas. It was conducted as a qualitative study. Data for the study were collected through face-to-face interviews or video conferencing using a Personal Information Form and a Semi-Structured Interview Form created by the researcher. Data analysis was conducted using the MAXQDA software. The population of this qualitative study consisted of nursing students actively involved in support activities in 11 provinces affected by the magnitude of 7.7 earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş/Turkey. The sample of the study comprised nursing students who responded to our call shared with nursing student groups and met the inclusion criteria. Through qualitative analysis, three themes were identified: initial emotions experienced during the earthquake, difficulties faced during the earthquake process, and emotions following the earthquake experience. Students participating in support activities in the earthquake-affected region provided explanations regarding their emotions, encountered ethical dilemmas, infrastructure issues, as well as deficiencies in organization and education.