Mass Gathering Nursing in Action: Nurses’ Lived Experiences of Clinical Care Delivery to Arbaeen Pilgrims in High-Density Conditions at Shalamcheh Border – A Qualitative Content Analysis

Background Mass gatherings present major public health issues, particularly in crowded border areas. The Arbaeen pilgrimage, known as the biggest yearly peaceful assembly worldwide (with 20–25 million Shia pilgrims from more than 60 nations), puts immense strain on health services at Iran's Shalamcheh border in the southwest. Aim To delve into the real-life experiences of nurses providing clinical care to Arbaeen pilgrims amid overcrowding at the Shalamcheh border. Methods We carried out a qualitative study using conventional content analysis. This involved semi-structured interviews with 18 nurses chosen purposefully, who were stationed at the Shalamcheh border health center for Arbaeen 1404 (from July 27 to August 26, 2025). We analyzed the data with MAXQDA software until we reached conceptual saturation. Results: The analysis produced 107 starting codes, 11 subcategories, 7 key categories, and 3 main themes: (1) Challenges in Clinical Care and Managing Crises, (2) Requirements for Structural Enhancements, and (3) Growth in Professional and Spiritual Aspects via Service. Conclusion Nurses deal with heavy demands in operations, infrastructure, and emotional aspects, yet they gain deep satisfaction professionally and spiritually. These results offer solid grounds for creating protocols, training sessions, and policies for nursing in mass gatherings.