Table 5 Themes and subthemes of RQ 3: Gains from experience at the evacuation centers

Increased awareness of disasters

Opportunity for disaster nursing

I got a certificate as a member of the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) after the earthquake (pIII and IV)

After the earthquake, I registered as a nurse specializing in disaster relief (pVIII)

I always want to help someone with difficulties (pIV and IX)

I want to be a person who can do the same thing as the people in the evacuation centers who supported us. (pI and III)

Preparation for disaster

I think about how I can help when disaster strikes my location (pIV and V)

I always make sure that my family is prepared for any disaster, and I make use of the lessons I learned from that time, such as being out of water. (pVI and IX)

Need to pass on experience

I participated in disaster relief after the Kumamoto earthquake, and I definitely made use of my experience in 2011. (pIV)

I hope we can pass on our experiences to others. We have no choice but to make use of the lessons we have learned(pIIIVI)

Change to a positive attitude

I am here now because of my various experiences (pVII and VIII)

I started to think positively (pV)

Despite difficulties, this experience turned out to be a blessing in disguise (pIII and IV)

Growth as a nurse

Renewed awareness of responsibility as a nurse

The feeling that the work must be done responsibly. (pV, VI, and IX)

Reaffirming that a public health effort is an object of nursing

I thought that the target audience for nursing was not only people in hospitals but also all residents when considered from the perspective of health. (pVI)

It has changed my feelings about my job and about being allowed to do nursing. (pII and III)

It broadened my perspective as a nurse (pIV and V)

Changes in relationships with people

What has changed since the disaster is that I have more interaction with people in the community. (pVI and X)

I felt the importance of communication again. (pIII)