SubjectivityNursing research a b s t r a c tThe aim of this paper is to explore the essential elements and value of narrative inquiry in nursing research. We propose that understanding a previous experience allows the nurse researcher an "insider view" and hence a deeper understanding of the issues that arise in the relationship between participant and researcher. We suggest that narrative inquiry in nursing research offers a particular way of caring about how knowledge is produced.Nursing science would benefit from the understanding that health and nursing practices are dynamic processes characterized by the continuous interaction of human thought and behaviour that continuously 'pumps' into personal, social and material environments.Narrative inquiry as a methodology in nursing research is exceptionally useful to uncover nuance and detail of previous experiences. Copyright © 2015, Chinese Nursing Association. Production and hosting by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).In contrast to the social sciences, the interest in and use of narrative research within nursing is relatively new. Narrative inquiry was first used by Connelly and Clandinin [1] as a methodology to describe the personal stories of teachers. Narrative researchers look for ways to understand and then present real-life experiences through the stories of the research participants [2,3]. The narrative approach allows for a rich description of these experiences and an exploration of the meanings that the participants derive from their experiences. Narrative inquiry amplifies voices that may have otherwise remained silent [4]. It utilizes story-telling as a way of communicating the participants' realities to a larger audience [5]. By using the narratives format to present findings, researchers can access rich layers of information that provide a more in-depth understanding of the particulars of the participants' points of view. The knowledge gained can offer the reader a deeper understanding of the subject material and extra insight to apply the stories to their own context. Narrative inquiry has an underlying philosophy and access that enables the illumination of real people in real settings through the 'painting' of their stories. It is a methodology in which the researcher attempts to illuminate the meanings of personal stories and events.Nursing is increasingly embracing more art-based approaches as research methodologies [6]. However, the majority of studies conducted in Chinese settings are quantitative; few qualitative studies have been performed. One major reason for this disparity is that Chinese nursing

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Purpose -Ethics is the foundation on which societies and cultures are based and are fundamental to political, social and economic decision making. Ethical dilemmas have created controversy and heated debate over the years. Disasters have been defined in public health terms as destructive events that result in the need for a wide range of emergency resources to assist and ensure the survival of the stricken population. Lack of medical resources, in conjunction with a mass casualty situation, can present specific ethical challenges. The purpose of this paper is to explore the ethics of disaster management. Design/methodology/approach -In and after a disaster, ethical questions arise regarding appropriate and fair allocation of relief funds to help with recovery. Research in disaster settings poses unique ethical dilemmas. The researcher must determine how to balance the critical need for research with the ethical obligation of respect for, and protection of, the interests of research participants. Ethics as part of an educational program made available to health care providers may assist disaster responders to make the difficult ethical decisions involved in disasters. This literature review discusses these issues in conjunction with disaster response and recovery. Findings -The cardinal virtues of disaster response are prudence, courage, justice, stewardship, vigilance, resilience, self-effacing charity and communication. These eight virtues are not considered all inclusive, no more than Aristotle considered that his morals or virtues were all inclusive. Ongoing work in disaster management will help to ensure that such situations are managed in an ethical manner that respects the rights and privileges of all those involved.Research limitations/implications -The literature reviewed for this paper was based on peer reviewed scholarly writings. Concepts of ethics and justice are important issues in disaster situations. This paper offers ideas to prompt further discussion among disaster managers and students of disaster studies. Practical implications -Social changes are reliant on an understanding of ethics and how it affects society. This paper puts forward ethical concepts to prompt discussion by disaster responders and managers with the hope of improving disaster management. Originality/value -The paper is an original document that may be useful to students of disaster management and those who teach disaster management

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