FROM EMERGENCY TO SURVIVAL: EXPLORING NURSES’ EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES IN MANAGING ACUTE CARDIAC EMERGENCIES

Abstract

Background: Acute cardiac emergencies are life-threatening conditions requiring immediate assessment, rapid intervention, and effective teamwork. Nurses play a central role in emergency cardiac care, yet they encounter various clinical, emotional, and organizational challenges while managing critically ill patients. Understanding nurses’ experiences is essential for improving emergency care practices and supporting healthcare providers.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences and challenges in managing acute cardiac emergencies.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological research design was used. The study was conducted at Luqman International Hospital, Swat. Ten registered nurses were selected through purposive sampling based on their clinical experience in managing acute cardiac emergencies. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework.

Results: Four major themes emerged from the data: facing critical situations and clinical challenges during acute cardiac emergencies; decision-making, teamwork, and communication in emergency care; emotional burden, workload challenges, and coping strategies; and the need for continuous training and system improvement. Nurses described rapid decision-making, effective teamwork, emotional stress, resource limitations, and the importance of regular professional training as key aspects influencing emergency cardiac care.

Conclusion: Nurses experience acute cardiac emergency management as a complex and demanding responsibility requiring clinical competence, emotional resilience, teamwork, and organizational support. Continuous education, simulation-based training, adequate resources, and supportive healthcare systems are recommended to enhance nurses’ preparedness and improve patient outcomes.