Experiences of nurses affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake concerning support activities in nuclear disasters: Focusing on the recovery phase

Abstract

This study clarifies the experiences in the nuclear disaster’s support of nurses affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. This is a qualitative descriptive study. From analysis 13 categories were derived: having disaster experiences, strong feelings for hometowns that change due to nuclear disaster, emotions to others, having an urge to do something as a nurse, disaster nursing taking advantage of expertise, the importance of human and community relationship cut off by nuclear disaster, positive changes in victims resulting from continuous support, frustrated feelings during support, the gratefulness for people working together, little progress made in nuclear disaster recovery, the importance of cherishing private time, unforced support, a sense of self-growth through support. The motivations for support come from having disaster experiences, strong feelings for hometowns, and having an urge to do something as a nurse. The factors leading to continuous support are the slow recovery of the areas, cherishing private time, and taking things easy. It is important that continued support by the affected nurses who lead the recovery areas.