Nurses’ perceptions following deployment during a seismo-volcanic crisis: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Disaster risk is increasing globally, placing growing pressure on health systems. In geographically isolated territories, seismovolcanic crises rapidly disrupt healthcare delivery. Despite the central role of nurses in disaster response, qualitative evidence describing their experiences in isolated contexts remains limited. PURPOSE: To analyze the perceptions and experiences of nurses deployed to respond to a seismovolcanic crisis on an island without a hospital. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted between March 2024 and November 2025. Twelve nurses involved in the response participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using interpretive qualitative content analysis supported by WebQDA software. DISCUSSION: Nurses operated under sustained uncertainty, limited situational awareness, and reliance on evacuation pathways. Their roles extended beyond clinical care to coordination, community mediation, and integration into emergency command structures. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that clearer deployment governance, disaster-specific competency development, and recognition of nursing leadership may support preparedness and health system resilience in geographically vulnerable island settings.