Disaster Nursing Goals and Definition

Prioritization and Roles in Disaster Nursing

• Nurses must prioritize patient safety, triage, and immediate care in disaster situations.
• A key role includes facilitating communication between affected individuals and healthcare providers.

Addressing Resource Shortages

• Nurses should assess available resources and implement creative solutions to maximize existing supplies.
• Collaboration with other healthcare professionals and community organizations can help allocate limited personnel effectively.

Impact of Disasters on Healthcare Access

• Disasters can severely disrupt healthcare services, limiting access to necessary medical care and treatment.
• Damage to infrastructure and logistical challenges often impede the continuum of care for affected populations.

Measuring Effects on Population Health

• Disasters complicate the assessment of health effects due to their unpredictable nature and the complexity of related factors.
• Long-term mental health impacts may not be immediately evident, obscuring true population health outcomes.

Support for Victims and Families

• It is crucial for nurses to provide emotional support and clear information to disaster victims and their families.
• Comfort and counseling can aid psychological recovery amidst trauma caused by disasters.

Goals and Principles of Disaster Nursing

• The primary goal of disaster nursing is to minimize loss of life and enhance patient outcomes during crises.
• One principle of disaster nursing is the allocation of care based on the severity of need to ensure effective aid distribution.

Addressing Inequalities in Healthcare Access

• Disaster nursing aims to identify vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to resources and care in disaster situations.
• Creating outreach programs can help reach underrepresented groups, correcting healthcare disparities.

Preparedness for Secondary Disasters

• Identifying the potential for secondary disasters is vital to prevent additional harm and ensure ongoing safety for survivors and responders.
• Preparedness measures can include emergency drills and community education.

Enhancing Quality of Life for Survivors

• Disaster nursing promotes the highest achievable quality of life by providing holistic care that addresses physical, emotional, and social needs of survivors.
• Integrated support systems help facilitate recovery and rehabilitation.

Key Roles and Actions in Disaster Phases

• Disaster nurses play crucial roles in coordination, triage, and providing direct patient care during an event.
• In the Pre-Impact phase, developing disaster nursing databases aids in resource allocation and preparedness planning.

Activities in Different Phases of Disaster Management

• During the Impact phase, the primary focus is on immediate response actions such as patient stabilization and triage.
• Activities not typically part of the Disaster Phase: Impact include routine healthcare services not related to disaster response.

Time-sensitive Actions Post-Disaster

• From Time-0 to 24 hours in the Impact phase, nurses must prioritize lifesaving interventions and assess the immediate needs of the population.
• Establishing command centers and communication channels is essential for effective response actions.

Mitigation Responsibilities in Disaster Management

• Actions that are NOT part of the nurse's role during the Disaster Phase: Impact Emergency Management Mitigation include long-term recovery planning that is outside immediate health response responsibilities.