HDR Project
Resilience in nurses who respond to natural disasters: A narrative inquiry
What are the stories of nurses who respond to natural disasters?
1Research story
Research context & significance
Nurses play a key role in natural disaster response and are exposed to challenges that heighten their vulnerability to adverse outcomes. Resilience may help mitigate the negative effects, however, resilience in the context of disaster nursing is underexplored.
Some of the nurses who have experienced or were at risk for compassion fatigue, burnout and trauma from responding to natural disasters need their stories told. We need to ensure that those who care for people affected by disasters are taken care of and be better prepared to support those who respond to the call for help.
Research questions & objectives
- What are the stories of nurses who respond to natural disasters?
- How are the experiences of resilience described and interpreted by them?
- How can resilience be nurtured in nurses who respond to Disasters?
Research approach
A · Literature Review
Integrated literature review was done and 18 reports which met the minimum quality threshold were synthesised. Four themes were identified. I am hoping that the results of this review can be published.
B · Method / Process
Narrative Inquiry. Interview participants to co-construct their stories of their experience in the field while responding to natural disasters
C · Evaluation / Validation
Narratives built up and will be explored with the participants. Common threads, themes may surface
Expected outcome
A piece of the puzzle that is missing – issues that surfaced from the narratives can be highlighted
2Progress & key evidence
Progress since last update
- Minor reviews for paper submitted to Public Health Nursing in progress. Draft of Chapter 3 in progress
- Attending a unit on Narrative Inquiry at NTU till Nov 2026
- Will be recruiting participants once Chapter 3 draft is submitted to supervisors
Tangible outputs & evidence
- Completed field test
- Clearer understanding and wider reading about narrative inquiry
- Lessons from stories of nurses
Key result
- Bits and pieces of a puzzle, common threads that may surface from the stories
One-sentence takeawayThere may be a missing piece of the puzzle that speaks of resilience in nurses who respond to natural disasters
3Next steps, risks & support
Next steps
- 1
Complete minor revisions and submit to Public Health Nursing reviewers
20 Oct 2026
- 2
Submit draft of Chapter 3 to supervisors
15 Oct 2026
- 3
Start recruitment for participants
From 20 Oct 2026
Risks & blockers
- Family emergencies – I have a family member in hospice now.
- Procrastination, Fatigue
- Teaching commitments and other work-related stuff, especially last-minute requests to submit, assist in events, etc.
Support needed
- Writing groups and structured time set aside for my studies.
- A lighter teaching load in the next semester
Funding
- I am a recipient of the CORPS funding
Final take-awayThe PhD journey can be long and very windy but I am thankful for the opportunities given and for moments that spur me on.
Research team
Joelle Yap
HDR Candidate
Prof Janie Brown
Principal Supervisor
