An Ode to Unheralded Heroism: The Volunteer Nurses’ Experiences in the Aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan

Abstract

Disaster events are extraordinary healthcare practice settings. Healthcare provision in these scenarios require extensive competencies and adaptability from healthcare workers. Involvement in these efforts have increased, as supranational initiatives in disaster response has caused the influx of volunteer disaster healthcare workers. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of volunteer disaster nurses in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan using Colaizzi's (1978) Model to gain an understanding on the experience. Nine volunteer nurses who served immediately after the typhoon hit the central Philippines in late 2013. with each representing specific fields of specialty within nursing practice, were selected purposively as participants. The study's findings yielded five themes: Motivation, Realities of the Volunteer Disaster Nurse Experience, Coping while Caring, Leaving a Mark, and A Journey towards Self-discovery. Motivation was the source of the decision to help. It was also the driving force for volunteers to go through the obstacles and cope effectively. Once this has been successfully achieved, the nurses gained learnings and reflections both as human beings and as health professionals which in turn, renewed their altruism. These findings can be used by healthcare workers. educators, and health policy-makers on the practical side to promote the well-being of disaster healthcare workers by being more cognizant to their problems, challenges, and motivations. The study's findings can also be a jumping point for more in-depth inquiries and/or investigations in other disaster settings.