Chie Kawasaki1, Junko Omori2, Wakanako Ono3, Emiko Konishi4, Kiyomi Asahara3. 1. National Institute of Public Health, Wako City, Saitama Prefecture. 2. Tohoku University, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. 3. St. Luke's International University, Chuo City, Tokyo. 4. Kagoshima University, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study described public health nurses' (PHNs) experiences in caring for people in their communities during the recovery stage of the Fukushima nuclear accident. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Forty-four PHNs responded to an open-ended questionnaire administered before a radiation protection workshop and participated in interviews after the workshop. Data were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Two major themes were identified: (1) profound powerlessness and (2) compelling sense of mission. The participants cared for people driven by their compelling sense of mission, despite not having the correct information or sufficient knowledge. They spoke of being heart-broken and barely able to face the reality of the impact of the accident. CONCLUSIONS: PHNs supported people because of a compelling sense of mission yet it was a great burden. Education about radiation and radiation protection for nursing students and PHNs, two-way communication between PHNs and radiation specialists, long-term support by specialists, and the opportunity for PHNs to share their feelings and experiences is necessary.
OBJECTIVE: This study described public health nurses' (PHNs) experiences in caring for people in their communities during the recovery stage of the Fukushima nuclear accident. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Forty-four PHNs responded to an open-ended questionnaire administered before a radiation protection workshop and participated in interviews after the workshop. Data were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Two major themes were identified: (1) profound powerlessness and (2) compelling sense of mission. The participants cared for people driven by their compelling sense of mission, despite not having the correct information or sufficient knowledge. They spoke of being heart-broken and barely able to face the reality of the impact of the accident. CONCLUSIONS: PHNs supported people because of a compelling sense of mission yet it was a great burden. Education about radiation and radiation protection for nursing students and PHNs, two-way communication between PHNs and radiation specialists, long-term support by specialists, and the opportunity for PHNs to share their feelings and experiences is necessary.
Authors: Hiromi Kawasaki; Satoko Yamasaki; Natsu Kohama; Susumu Fukita; Miwako Tsunematsu; Masayuki Kakehashi Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-10-20 Impact factor: 3.390