Narrative inquiry and nursing research

Purpose Traditional academic discourse in qualitative studies is devoid of the subjective individual, and lacks the particulars of experience and the lifelikeness that evokes meaning when researchers address real‐life problems. This paper aims to explore the value and application of utilizing narrative inquiry in nursing research. As a result, this review seeks to argue that understanding the lived experience allows nurse researchers an “insider view” and a deeper understanding of health and social issues that arises from the relationship between the participant and researcher. Additionally this paper aims to highlight some of the challenges and tensions in narrative work including the researcher's self‐reflection within the research process. Design/methodology/approach This paper takes the form of a literature review. Findings This paper highlights some of the challenges and tensions in narrative work including the researcher's self‐reflection within the research process. It argues that understanding the lived experience allows nurse researchers an “insider view” and a deeper understanding of health and social issues that arises from the relationship between the participant and researcher. Originality/value This original article presents an argument that suggests narrative inquiry in nursing research offers a particular way of caring about how knowledge is produced and the importance of the relationship between the researcher and the co‐researcher.