Coping with coal: Exploring the experience of communities near a coalfired power plant utilizing descriptive phenomenological approach

Background@#Coal is the largest source of energy on earth and is used to supply electricity in many countries. Unfortunately, as much as it helps light up some communities, coal-fired power plants are also the world's biggest industrial polluters.@*Objectives@#This study investigated the environment and health conditions of the community before, and 20 years after the construction of the coal. It explored the perception of the respondents on the presence of a coal-fired power plant in their community, and determined strategies that can help protect the community against the coal-fired power plant.@*Methodology@#It utilized descriptive phenomenological design using in-depth interviews through snowball sampling. Data were analysed through Colaizzi method and was guided by the health belief model which claims that change can occur if self-efficacy is built in. @*Results@#Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) realization of the deterioration of the environment and the residents' health, (2) awareness on the interplay between economic gain, politics, and impact on health and environment, and (3) recognizing the need for increased community empowerment on health and environment. @*Conclusion@#The presence of a coal-fired power plant in the community brings about negative changes in health and environment. Sustainable efforts to combat such negative effects are needed, and community residents in the vicinity of the power plant need to be empowered to conduct check-and-balance for their own health and environmental safety.

Transition experience to professional nurse: A phenomenological approach

Purpose@#Transition programs have been adopted by many healthcare institutions to assist the new graduate nurse as they adjust to the work environment. The use of structured residency programs and prolonged orientations are considered best practices to ease the new graduate nurse into their role. This study aims to describe the lived experience of new graduate registered nurses as they enter the workforce.@*Design@#Using a qualitative research design, Van Manen's phenomenological inquiry, study participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected between December 2018- September 2019 with in-depth interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The sample (N=7) consisted of participants born between the years 1986-1996, graduated within three years of the study, and practice in the northeastern region of the United States.@*Method@#Amodified Colaizzi approach allowed the researchers to return to the study participants to validate themes.@*Findings@#The experience and perceptions of new graduate registered nurses are unified in two major themes discussed within this article: emotional ambivalence and the need to escape.@*Conclusion@#New graduate nurses continue to feel overwhelmed and need structured guidance during their professional transition training programs. In the absence of strong support by the institution, new graduates leave the bedside.

Understanding the lived experience of Filipino mothers on water birth

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>PURPOSE:</strong> The study purported to explore the lived experience of a select group of Filipino mothers who had undergone water birth delivery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DESIGN:</strong> A qualitative, descriptive phenomenology research design was used to investigate the phenomenon. The sample (N=10) was comprised of women who had undergone water birth, 25-45 years old, primiparous and multiparous. A self-report method using face-to-face, in depth, semi structured interviews guided by an aide memoire abetted the data collection procedure. The principles of beneficence, respect for human dignity, and justice were observed throughout the research process.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>MODE OF ANALYSIS:</strong> Significant statements were culled from the field text and analyzed using Colaizzi method. The validation techniques of members checking and critical friends were utilized.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>FINDINGS:</strong> The findings revealed that mothers found the experience extraordinary and the warmth and buoyancy of the water used in such mode foster comfort and ease of delivery while enabling them to manage their pains positively. Four themes emerged namely: (1) In her own private world; (2) At her fullest power; (3) To her ease and comfort; and (4) At her own course.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSIONS:</strong> Research in recent times has provided limited evidence in making water birth a prevalent alternative for women to welcome their babies into this world. It is vital to focus on the experience of water birth from the mother's lens. Water birth has potential benefits to both mother and neonate and promotes maternal satisfaction; however, it remains the responsibility of health practitioners to provide credible evidence of its safety to prove that water birth is a valuable option to conventional delivery.</p>