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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe the lived experiences of Liberian nurses during years of stability, prolonged war and subsequent rebuilding of their profession.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe the method of thematic narrative analysis through the use of oral interviews and a "listening guide."
Methods: Through the methodology of narrative inquiry four nurses living in Liberia were interviewed and their stories were linked with the social change processes that were occurring during this time period in Liberian history. Stories were kept intact and sequences were preserved and resulted in a metastory of the lives of nurses in Liberia during this time.
Results: The ability of nurses to adequately care for patients prior to conflict, during civil unrest and the subsequent rebuilding period is dependent upon the strength of the infrastructure of the country. The narratives of the nurses describe in detail the role nurses held before war, and their ability to survive during the most challenging situations. The stories add to the growing history of the nursing profession and attempt to bridge the gap in understanding the role of nurses during the stresses of war. It invites further research in the area of nursing education and the ability of nurses to adapt to situations, and the implications for nursing practice pertaining to the delivery of basic levels of service. The ability to adapt is important as nurses respond to disaster and conflict situations within their countries and throughout the world.
Conclusion: The Liberian nurses’ research describes the frustration of nurses who were faced with a lack of supplies, equipment and wages and the overwhelming process it takes for a profession to rebuild itself after a long war.
See more of: Research Sessions: Oral Paper & Posters