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Public Health Nurses' Experiences in Caring for the Fukushima Community in the Wake of the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Author(s) -
Kawasaki Chie,
Omori Junko,
Ono Wakanako,
Konishi Emiko,
Asahara Kiyomi
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.12227
Subject(s) - public health nursing , feeling , public health , nursing , public health nurse , accident (philosophy) , medicine , psychology , social psychology , philosophy , epistemology
Objective This study described public health nurses' ( PHN s) experiences in caring for people in their communities during the recovery stage of the Fukushima nuclear accident. Design and Sample Forty‐four PHN s 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 PHN s 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 PHN s, two‐way communication between PHN s and radiation specialists, long‐term support by specialists, and the opportunity for PHN s to share their feelings and experiences is necessary.