Nurses experiences in chemical emergency departments: Iran-Iraq war, 1980-1988

Background: Nurses have played a major role in taking care of the wounded across the centuries. One of the most important roles of Iranian nurses in wartime has been working in chemical emergency departments. This study investigated the nature of nursing practice in chemical emergency departments created in the context of the Iran-Iraq War fought during 1980-1988. Method: This is a history methodology design with oral history and in-depth interview to detect nurses 'actual experiences in chemical emergency departments while taking care of the chemically injured military forces. Findings: Today's nurses emphasize finding new ways to fulfill the present nursing needs and to combine theory and practice in an appropriate framework. Having a retrospective approach to utilize nurses' experience can well clarify the future way to achieve this goal. Conclusion: This study revealed the way the nurses prepared to take care of the chemically injured in miserable situations and their practice in chemical emergency departments. It highlighted their awareness of wartime nursing and the challenging experiences it brings. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.