In researching the method of storytelling a comprehensive literature search was conducted using the words “storytelling” or “narratives.” Stories are fundamental dimensions of human experience and nursing practice (Smith & Liehr, 2005). Storytelling also affects the four domains of human existence. In the cognitive domain, the story transmits knowledge and assists in problem solving. Affectively stories bring about hope and may be cathartic; the creation of being connected and in a community occurs in the interpersonal domain, and personally, an individual gains insight by identifying themselves with the narrative of another person (Chelf, Deshler, Hiltman, & Durnazo-Arvizu, 2000).

Telling stories is considered a natural human impulse (White, 1981) and a primary way of making sense of an experience (Mishler, 1986). According to Chamberlain et al., (1997) when people create meaning from an experience often organize encounters into coherent stories. Highlights of using storytelling as a research methodology will be explained and an example provided of using storytelling as a research methodology with pediatric burn patients will be presented. This is a very creative and new way of doing research with vulnerable populations and was proven to add tremendous insight to the research process.

Biography:
Maryann Godshall, PhD, RN, CCRN, CPN, CNE is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions in Philadelphia, PA. Maryann completed her PhD at Duquesne University (2014) and her research topic was “Exploring Learning of Pediatric Burn Patients through Storytelling.”
Maryann has worked in Pediatrics and continues working in Pediatric Critical Care and Pediatric In-patient Rehabilitation nursing. She holds certification in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care.
Maryann is co-editor of The Certified Nurse Examination (CNE) Review Manual (2016), and wrote Fast Facts of Evidence Based Practice, 2nd Ed (2016); Springer Publishing Company. She has published chapters in several books & textbooks as well as many journal articles.
Maryann has presented both nationally and internationally most recently in Philadelphia and at the World Federation of Critical Care Nurses (WFCCN) in Brisbane, Australia, April 2016