2021 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 4-12
Objective: To describe the culture and true state of affairs of how public health nurses (PHNs) perceive preparation for the nuclear disaster.
Method: Interviews were analyzed along with field exploration, participant observation according to the ethnographical methodology.
Results: Nine PHNs were selected as key informants out of 25 participants near nuclear power plants. The extracted theme of PHNs’ preparations for nuclear disaster was “being concerned with the responsibility of PHNs in the nuclear zone to anticipate emergency situations.” The main theme consisted of two domains: “adhering to roles as officers in a small municipality in the nuclear zone” and “bearing in mind the awareness to protect lives and living of residents as a nursing professional”. PHNs have become increasingly aware of the risk after the accident in Fukushima, and of the necessity of preparing and protecting the lives of residents while feeling uneasiness.
Discussion: PHNs have felt the responsibility of preparing health activities while suppressing their feelings and awareness due to the organizational climate and their own views on the nuclear power plant, which had financed the lives of the residents and the municipality’s administration. Because of the municipal characteristics, it is difficult for PHNs to take the initiative in conducting health activities and preparing for disaster. The implications from this research include building partnerships among PHNs in nuclear zones and demonstrating the expertise of PHNs within municipality offices by providing wider support at regional and national level.
