A Qualitative Study on Nurses' Experiences Working in Burn Units in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Background: Nurses play an integral role in the multidisciplinary team managing care for burn patients. Their unique insights and experiences in such high-stress environments are crucial yet often underexplored. This study aims to illuminate the challenges and experiences of nurses in burn units within tertiary care hospitals in South Punjab, Pakistan. Objective: To explore and document the experiences of nurses working in burn units, focusing on the challenges they face and the coping mechanisms they employ. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2022 using purposeful sampling to select 16 nurses from burn units at tertiary care hospitals in South Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and sub-themes. Results: Analysis of the interview data revealed four main themes and sixteen sub-themes. The main themes identified were Workload, Spiritual Beliefs in Patient Care, Nursing Education Services in Hospitals, and Work-Life Balance. These themes encompass the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced by nurses, as well as their educational needs and the impact of their work on personal life. Conclusion: Nurses in burn units encounter numerous challenges that affect both their professional duties and personal lives. There is a critical need for better support structures, including modern facilities, continuous training, and more attentive administrative practices. Enhancements such as increased staffing, unit rotation, and provisions for financial and motivational incentives are necessary to improve care for burn patients and support the well-being of nurses.