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INTRODUCTION: Trauma causes nearly six million deaths annually and is the leading cause of death in the working-age population. Systematic, multidisciplinary, team-based initial care is vital. Trauma nursing addresses complex physical and psychological needs, enhancing patient outcomes and preventing complications. However, acute care settings have challenges, such as heavy workloads and high patient-to-nurse ratios.

AIM: This study aimed to explore nursing staff́s perceptions of reasons for missed nursing care for patients with traumatic injuries.

METHODS: Four semi-structured group interviews were conducted with 22 registered and assistant nurses caring for trauma patients in a level one trauma center. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and an inductive approach.

RESULTS: The main findings revealed that complex organizational challenges hinder consistent nursing care. Factors such as patient characteristics and team composition necessitate prioritizing medical interventions over nursing care, leading to feelings of inadequacy among nurses when they are unable to provide timely care.

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that essential nursing care is frequently overlooked in the trauma ward, often taking a backseat to medical interventions. This trend arises from the intricate dynamics of patient characteristics, team composition, and the organizational environment.