Humanitarian Nurses' Stories of their Experiences in Areas of Natural Disaster and Conflict

Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore humanitarian nurses' experiences in areas of conflict and natural disasters. Until recently, very few humanitarian nurses had recorded their stories and narratives. My interest in this topic originates from my nursing career working with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). I have cared for victims of warfare and natural disaster with acute conditions in many countries around the world. I consider these missions to be the most exciting and important of my nursing career. This research is informed by both narrative inquiry and reflective topical autobiography. I have reviewed nurses' stories available in general and nursing research literature analysed them for recurring themes and compared these with my own experience. The four themes are: preparing for a mission; nurses' reactions when caring for victims with injuries caused by warfare and natural disaster; the relationships between the nurses and the local population; and how the nurses adjusted when reintegrating into their own countries after finishing a mission. This research is important as it highlights the lack of documentation around humanitarian nurses' experiences. In order for humanitarian nursing to be recognised as a specialty within its own right it must be described and recorded so research can be focused specifically into areas of need. Most importantly, these stories and narratives have significant historical importance as so little is recorded of humanitarian nurses' experiences. Therefore this research has additional importance in collecting and analysing the few stories available, ensuring the nurses' shared experiences are available within the nursing literature. New Zealand'Hs humanitarian effort will continue, if not increase, so issues outlined in this research need to be addressed by agencies sending nurses overseas. With recognition, humanitarian nurses will be able to work effectively, professionally and safely, providing high quality care in extreme conditions.