BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING:

NCMO 410: DISASTER NURSING

COURSE MODULE COURSE UNIT WEEK
1 4 4
Nurses Role in Disaster Part 1 Preparedness

 Read and understand course unit objectives

 Read study guide prior to class attendance
 Read required learning resources; refer to unit
terminologies for jargons
 Proactively participate in classroom discussions
 Participate in weekly discussion board (Canvas)
 Answer and submit course unit tasks

Personal Laptop/mobile device

Internet connection/device
Reading materials
Paper and Pen for writing

At the end of the course unit (CM), learners will be able to:
COGNITIVE:
1. Describe nurse’s role in planning and management during disaster.
2. Evaluate nursing responsibilities effectively in planning and management during disaster.
AFFECTIVE:
1. Inculcate in mind the importance of nurses role in disaster planning and management.
2. Show compassionate and caring attitude as the nurse core values during disaster.
PSYCHOMOTOR:
1. Apply quality and safety protocols, principles of evidence-based practice in disaster nursing.
2. Collaborate with inter-agencies in the delivery of health care and utilizing different strategies during
disaster management.

DISASTER- Disasters are catastrophic events that often result in extensive property damage and
loss of life.

NURSES ROLE IN DISASTER NURSING

INTRODUCTION
Disasters are catastrophic events that often result in extensive property damage and
loss of life. Extreme devastation can occur from both man-made and natural disasters.
Nurses play a major role in responding to disasters to help ensure the best possible
outcomes. They usually have a desire to help, but they don't always know where to
start. If inadequately prepared, a nurse can be more of a hindrance than a help in
disaster relief efforts. The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it occurs.
Nurses serve as an essential resource and can hold a wide range of responsibilities
related to disaster preparedness and response

NURSES ROLE IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT:

PREPAREDNESS
a. Institution/Community disaster response written plan familiarization
b. Task delineation and delegation in the event of a disaster
- Developing an understanding of the disaster preparedness and response plans,
operational protocols, and security measures can help nurses understand what their
employers expect of them.
c. PROPER Use of materials and equipment during drills (i.e. PPEs, fire escape, fire
extinguisher, emergency routes, communication devices.)
- Nurses who volunteer and become involved with an organized disaster response
system are better prepared when disaster strikes.

d. Identification of agencies (GOs and NGOs) and their roles/responsibilities in

disaster risk reduction and management
- Assisting during a disaster. Collaboration of the nurse and NGO’s may be assigned at
a variety of tasks during a disaster such as delivering first aid and medication,
assessing the state of victims, and monitoring mental health needs.
e. Disaster drills and evaluation of drills
f. Participate in continuing education on disaster risk reduction and management.
- Educating consumers and the community gives them the knowledge they need to
make it safely through a disaster and help others. Knowledge can also do much to
alleviate fear and anxiety.
g. Preparing self and family.
- Some nurses have family members who rely on them. Personal preparation with an
emergency plan and basic emergency supplies can help to ensure their families' safety
while easing the nurse's worries.
Other things to consider include arranging a meeting place if separated, ensuring
reliable communication, and compiling important paperwork.

Nurses may encounter challenges such as:

1. Balancing professional and personal obligations, sometimes even if the nurse has
prepared at home.
2. Dealing with restrictions to volunteering that depend upon training and
immunizations.
3. Working with limited resources and supplies.
4. Facing potential security and safety threats such as violence or infectious disease.
5. Dealing with legal implications related to practicing outside of the nurse's specialty
area.
6. Having to work in uncontrolled physical environments.
7. Struggling with life-and-death situations and difficult ethical decisions.
 THANK YOU….

Sources:
Nurses Play a Critical Role in Disaster Response
Published On: July 23, 2018 https://online.nsc.edu/articles/rn-bsn/nurses-critical-role-disaster.aspx
American Red Cross: Nurses Serve in Many Different Ways
American Red Cross: Red Cross Nurses Put Lives on Hold to Help Disaster Victims
MedScape: Ready, Willing and Able: Preparing Nurses to Respond to Disasters
American Nurses Association (ANA): Disaster Preparedness
National Nurses United: Nurses Top Gallup Poll as Most Trusted Profession 16 years Running

Nurses Play a Critical Role in Disaster Response

Published On: July 23, 2018
https://online.nsc.edu/articles/rn-bsn/nurses-critical-role-disaster.aspx

ONLINE WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iutH17urDkI

 Study Questions: