Sustaining nurses in a disaster from the perspective of constructivist grounded theory

• Main Author: Ahayalimudin, Nurul'Ain
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: RT Nursing
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/91137/2/SIGMA%20Presenter%20certificate.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/91137/3/Sigma%27s%20Nurul%27Ain%20Ahayalimudin%20-%2032nd%20International%20Nursing%20Research%20VIRTUAL%20Congress%20%28Wednesday%2C%2021%20July%20-%20Friday%2C%2023%20July%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/91137/14/91137_Sustaining%20nurses%20in%20a%20disaster%20from%20the%20perspective%20of%20constructivist%20grounded%20theory.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/91137/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Purpose: Within Malaysia’s local context, studies of nurses’ experiences during a disaster are limited. This study aimed to explore nurses’ experiences of working in a disaster situation and to identify factors that contribute to and that hinder the nurses’ response. Methods: This study utilized a qualitative approach using a constructivist grounded theory involving thirty nurses. They were recruited from nine hospitals across seven states in Peninsular Malaysia, between January and September 2016. Semi-structured, in-depth one-to-one interviews were used to gain rich data on the nurses’ experiences, supported with field notes. The trustworthiness of the data has been ensured through prolonged engagement, triangulation, selection of purposive sampling and reflexivity that fits all elements needed in a qualitative study. Results: ‘Ensuring individual sustainability when in a hostile environment’ was identified as the core category, overarching the three categories of 1) establishing competencies and responsibilities, 2) managing emotions and 3) getting support. These categories formed the foundation of a model named ‘Being A Disaster Nurse’. The findings revealed that a concern of the nurses in this study was ‘being unprepared' for disaster response and thus restrict their performance in managing a disaster. Conclusion: This study added to the current body of knowledge on nurses’ experiences during disaster responses, in particular amongst Malaysian nurses. This study adopted constructivist grounded theory, which is a relatively new approach amongst researchers that have an interest in disaster nursing. In addition, this study identified the role of religion as a coping mechanism for the nurses who have been involved in disaster response. By offering them the competencies, support needed and actions that could assist them to manage their emotions could lead to nurses being more prepared and able to cope with disaster situations enabling the provision of appropriate disaster management. Therefore, it is vital for healthcare administrators to ensure the sustainability of the nurses while responding to disaster events.