ABSTRACT
The preparedness of nurses in the COVID-19 pandemic is of great importance with regard to the unknown future of the pandemic and other similar ones. Identifying nurses' problems can lead to better planning, preparation and management. In this study, we aim to explore the experiences and challenges of nursing managers' preparedness for timing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted the research as a qualitative content analysis in Iran in 2022. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured individual interviews with 15 nursing managers who were selected by purposeful sampling. After transcription of the interviews, a content analysis using constant comparison was performed for data analysis based on the Graneheim and Lundman approach. The results of the study can be summarised in the following four main categories and nine subcategories: the necessity of exercises in the same environment (performing exercises to prepare for possible pandemics, experiencing scenes similar to real pandemics, creating the experience of similar environments for the preparation of nurses), educating all members involved in providing services in the COVID-19 pandemic (preparation of non-specialist workers forpandemics, training all members of the treatment and non-treatment team), management and leadership (inappropriate policymaking and unsuitable planning), and processes and structures (processes for providing services and ineffective provision of protective equipment). As we pointed out in this study, it seems that to solve some of these challenges coordination is needed outside the health sector. In addition, the establishment of the National COVID-19 Control Centre can contribute to developing necessary policies and strategies for handling the pandemic.