AimTo elucidate strategies for improving organisational adaptation during public health emergencies from the perspectives of nurse managers.DesignThis study utilised a qualitative approach, incorporating complex adaptive system theory within a phenomenological tradition.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted from May 2022 to June 2022. Participants included core members of the Shanghai Public Health Emergency Teams‐Nursing from 12 tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, all of whom had substantial experience as nurse leaders impacting health systems. Data obtained were coded and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsSeventeen frontline nurse managers participated, leading to the emergence of three key themes related to complex organisational adaptation: seeking institutional support for environmental adaptation, building intrateam support for structural adaptation and activating individual support for behavioural adaptation. A conceptual framework of organisational adaptation was proposed, displaying the interconnections among these themes.ConclusionsThe study provides valuable insights into managing nursing teams involved in public health emergency preparedness and response as an adaptive system. Identified managerial strategies offer guidance to ensure effective organisational assembly and optimal utilisation of the nursing workforce within the healthcare system.Implications for the ProfessionRecognising the crucial role of nurses in managerial positions, who leverage leadership, adaptability and decision‐making skills to coordinate frontline teams, is vital for effective public health emergency response. Their involvement in administrative roles underscores the importance of nursing perspectives in strategic planning, organisational adaptation and enhancing health system resilience during crises.ImpactThe organisational adaptation strategies effectively adopted by nurse managers provide a reference for international scholars seeking to enhance the function and performance of nursing staff in healthcare system during public health emergencies.Reporting MethodConsolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.Patient or Public ContributionsNo Patient or Public Contributions.
