Trauma is one of the leading causes of death and disability in developed and developing countries. it is estimated that 10% of deaths in the world are due to trauma. About 90% of trauma-related complications and mortality occur in low- and middle-income countries, and the incidence of trauma and trauma-related complications is predicted to rise by 2030 [1]. According to previous research, road traffic injuries are the third contributory factor in death, worldwide. However, in Iran after cardiovascular disease, it is the second leading cause of death, and the scope of this problem is much greater than the global average in the world [2]. National reports show that traffic accidents are the second leading cause of death in all age groups in Iran, and they are also the number-one cause of death in people under 40 years of age [3]. Evidence shows that improving the care quality can reduce the rate of trauma-related complications and mortality in patients [4].

Since trauma simultaneously affects several systems of the body, it is important to make an initial systematic assessment of injured patients for temporary diagnosis and treatment immediately after trauma, otherwise serious injuries in patients may be overlooked [5]. Time is considered as an essential determinant in the initial care of trauma patients; therefore, one of the key concepts in providing emergency care to the injured patients is the golden hour after injury, aimed to resuscitating, supporting, and stabilizing patients. The related texts also place great emphasis on rapid response and providing the emergency care [6]. Managing and caring for trauma patients with life-threatening conditions is difficult and exacerbates the anxiety of medical staff [7]. Therefore, nursing prioritization is an essential skill and life threatening outcomes for patients [8]. Recent studies indicate that inexperienced nurses have had difficulty using it. Furthermore, it is not given much attention in nursing education [9]. Nursing prioritization determines the action done by nurses in critical and complex situations. It also helps make the right decisions and take the right course of action. Hence, studying and learning Nursing prioritization is necessary to understand this integral component of decision making and nursing clinical practice. Practical work and experience, as well as increased nursing skills, will enhance the ability of nurses to prioritize nursing practices in patient care [10].

Sardinha et al. (2019) emphasized the need for an assessment tool to prioritize nursing care and providing nursing diagnoses. Once the nursing diagnoses are determined, the expected results will be achieved and nursing interventions will be correct and accurate. Evaluation of the actions taken should also be done immediately, as it is necessary to correct and improve measures to be taken in the future [11]. Ahmadi et al.'s study showed that Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) training brings about a significant increase in the effectiveness of practical skills in management of simulated trauma patients [12]. ATLS is a formal training program aiming to help nurses and physicians enhance their learning about prompt and timely care of trauma patients so that emergency interventions of these patients in the early hours of their admission are made at the appropriate time in the emergency wards, and it is a program administered to improve the recovery results in these patients [7]. Moreover, Ahmadi's study entitled “The Necessity of Implementing the World Health Organization Checklist for Trauma Patients in Emergency Departments throughout the Country” showed that implementing the WHO checklist to manage trauma patients has led to a reduction in mortality. As a result, the likelihood of diagnostic and treatment errors during initial resuscitation will diminished [5]. In a 2013 research on nursing diagnoses, Campos et al. argued that the purpose of classifying risks and hazards in nursing practices for patients is not to determine medical diagnoses. Rather, these assessments help to prioritize interventions that need to be taken immediately to save the patient's life [13].

Since we could not find any study on the status of nursing prioritization in the trauma emergency of Kowsar hospital or other hospitals in the country, and considering the importance of nursing prioritization especially in trauma patients, where the management of both time and nursing practices means saving the patient's life and reducing secondary injuries in these patients, we were prompted to conduct this study in Kowsar Hospital in Sanandaj. The study was aimed to assess the current situation and help improve these important skills in nurses, and also to pave the way for future research on prioritization in all wards of the hospital.