Citation

Sato M, Atogami F, Nakamura Y, Kusaka Y, Yoshizawa T. Australas. Emerg. Nurs. J. 2014; 17(3): 106-111.

Affiliation

Women's Health Nursing, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan. Electronic address: toyoko@nursing.med.tohoku.ac.jp.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, College of Emergency Nursing Australasia, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aenj.2014.04.001

PMID

25113313

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011 generated a tsunami that directly struck Japan. Public health nurses (PHNs) played important roles in this disaster response and community recovery. This research identified a PHN's experience in an affected area.

METHODS: An ethnographic case study approach was used to obtain in-depth information regarding the experiences of one PHN, using semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and statistical documents.

RESULTS: Six themes were identified and explored, including that the PHN undertook overwhelming responsibilities to protect the local residents, made several autonomous decisions, and had a strong sense of mission. These were based on the relationship-building that occurred with the local residents due to the geographical characteristics and her own preparations.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings encourage PHNs to participate in simulations of disasters in preparation for major catastrophes and establish good collaborative efforts with residents by being a part of the community.

Language: en