Purpose: The phenomenon related to management when thee is a change in the condition of residents at risk in nursing homes is of interest to researchers in nursing. This study was conducted to clarify and to conceptualize the factors of management related to emergent circumstances in nursing homes though nurses' perceptions on these phenomena. Methods: A qualitative study method using in-depth interviews with 30 experienced nurses (mean age=46.6 yrs.; mean work experience in hospital=13.3 yrs; mean work experience in nursing home=3.9 yrs.) from three nursing homes in South Korea was used. Results: This study identified categories with sub-categories of each category related to managements of changes in the condition of the residents at risk in nursing homes: nurses' modes of identifying the changes in the condition of the residents, nurses' perceived directions on managing the condition which resulted in the changes in the residents at risk, and nurses' perceived strategies and barriers in managing changes in the condition of the residents at risk. Conclusion: Through this study, characteristics in managing residents’ emergent circumstances in nursing homes, and how nurses made decisions in the management of signs and symptoms indicating emergent situations are identified.