If not us then who?: A focused ethnography exploring caring patterns among planetary health nurses.

The environment in which nursing occurs is interdependent and dynamic in relation to people and their health circumstances. Planetary health challenges, such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, overfishing, and habitat destruction, are disproportionately experienced in certain geographies 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 of social and economic inequity when people and populations rendered vulnerable struggle to adapt to and mitigate environmental changes. Working near those who suffer, nurses must understand that human health is interrelated with planetary health. This awareness should inform their role as care providers who can develop solutions to face the unprecedented challenges now and in the future. The urgency to protect the environment is reflected among planetary health-conscious nurses who demonstrate a broad nursing perspective that includes caring for those in need, human and more-than-human alike.

The aim of this study was to interpret questions regarding the journeys, approaches, activities, and priorities of 14 registered nurses actively engaged in planetary health initiatives. A focused ethnographic methodology was employed, which included data from semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and arts-informed self-reflections. This data was analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes related to nurses’ experiences and approaches to planetary health. The results of this research have the potential to inform practice, policy, education, and research within the nursing profession. Additionally, this research serves to highlight the importance of empowering nurses to engage in planetary health initiatives as advocates for social and environmental justice.