If Not Us, Then Who? : A Focused Ethnography Exploring Caring Patterns Among Planetary Health Nurses

Steve Cairns

doi:10.25071/2291-5796.182

Authors

Steve Cairns Nipissing University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0680-1928

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/2291-5796.182

Keywords:

Planetary, Health, Critical, Caring, Ecological Nursing

Abstract

Planetary health challenges, such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, overfishing, and habitat destruction, are disproportionately experienced and act as threat multipliers to the health, welfare, and security of human and more-than-human species. Nurses, by virtue of their position, are increasingly confronting the health implications stemming from environmental change. An awareness that human health is interrelated with planetary health should inform their role as care providers who can develop solutions to face these unprecedented challenges.

This paper stems from a study observing the journeys, approaches, activities, and priorities of 14 registered nurses engaged in planetary health initiatives. Using a focused ethnographic methodology with data from semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and arts-informed self-reflections, this research has the potential to inform practice, policy, education, and research within the nursing profession. It also serves to highlight the importance of empowering nurses to engage in planetary health initiatives as advocates for social and environmental justice. 

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Author Biography

Steve Cairns, Nipissing University

Steve Cairns, RN, MEd, PhD, is a nursing and outdoor educator with an interest in scaling up nurses’ engagement in planetary health. Steve is an Assistant Professor within the School of Nursing at Nipissing University. He serves as the Ontario Representative for the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment (CANE-AIIE) and an Executive Member of the Ontario Nurses for the Environment (ONE–IIOE) through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). Steve enjoys being outdoors with family and friends in all seasons.

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