Despite a large number of nurses involved in disaster situations in different ways, there are few theories or models that define and describe the goal and content of disaster nursing.

This study aimed to present a model for disaster nursing, based on a literature review of the concept and content of disaster nursing.

A systematic literature review of 15 original qualitative or quantitative articles was conducted. A thematic synthesis was used to analyze the data.

The main theme of Disaster Nursing: Crossing Borders, included three dimensions (personal borders, professional borders and environmental borders) and four themes describing the process of disaster nursing (being hit by reality; adapting to the conditions; providing aid, relief, and caring; recovering, remembering, and growing). Based on these results the HOPE model was developed. ‘HOPE’ stands for ‘Holistic health assessment and promotion; Organization and management of immediate response; Professional adaptation; Endurance and recovery.

The HOPE model for disaster nursing describes the core element and essence of nursing in the disaster response phase and can serve as guidance both for nurses deployed in disasters and in disaster nursing training.