“Disaster!” seems to be a common word we hear often in the news and social media nowadays. While we will likely never know the full impact of it on people’s lives, we (community-based nurses), should know how to assist the communities in need (from the preparation to the rehabilitation stage). This posting assignment will help you to think about what you can do for your community in times of need.
Search and locate the news or articles related to disasters taken place in the US (within the past 7 years). Do not choose COVID-19 since it has been used in prior assignments by multiple classmates.
Describe the disaster (in no more than 50 words)- what happened, the impacts, and who were (or could have been) the members of the emergency response team.
Imagine yourself as a public health nurse at the department of public health in that community. In 150-200 words, discuss your professional roles in the emergency stage AND reconstruction/rehabilitation stage.
Full Answer Section
Emergency Response Team: The emergency response team for the 2023 California Central Valley Floods included a variety of agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the California National Guard, and local fire and police departments. The team also included volunteers from the American Red Cross and other organizations.
Role of a Public Health Nurse in the Emergency Stage
As a public health nurse in the emergency stage of the disaster, my role would be to:
- Assess the health needs of the community: I would work with other members of the emergency response team to assess the health needs of the community and identify the most vulnerable populations.
- Provide direct care to flood victims: I would provide direct care to flood victims, such as providing first aid, immunizations, and health education.
- Coordinate with other agencies: I would coordinate with other agencies, such as FEMA and the American Red Cross, to ensure that flood victims have access to the resources they need.
- Educate the public about health risks: I would educate the public about the health risks associated with flooding, such as waterborne diseases and mold exposure.
Role of a Public Health Nurse in the Reconstruction/Rehabilitation Stage
In the reconstruction/rehabilitation stage of the disaster, my role as a public health nurse would be to:
- Help flood victims return to their homes and communities: I would work with flood victims to help them return to their homes and communities safely. This may include providing assistance with cleaning and disinfecting homes, assessing for mold damage, and providing mental health support.
- Monitor the health of the community: I would monitor the health of the community to identify and address any public health problems that may arise as a result of the flooding.
- Advocate for flood prevention measures: I would advocate for flood prevention measures to reduce the risk of future flooding events.
Example of a Public Health Nurse Intervention
One example of a public health nurse intervention in the reconstruction/rehabilitation stage of the disaster would be to provide educational workshops on mold remediation to flood victims. Mold exposure can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, skin problems, and allergic reactions. By educating flood victims about mold remediation, public health nurses can help to reduce the risk of these health problems.
Conclusion
As a public health nurse, I have an important role to play in helping communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. By working with other members of the emergency response team and coordinating with other agencies, I can help to ensure that flood victims have access to the resources and support they need.
Sample Answer
Description: In January 2023, a series of atmospheric rivers caused severe flooding in the California Central Valley. The flooding displaced thousands of people, damaged homes and businesses, and caused an estimated $10 billion in damage.
Impacts: The flooding had a significant impact on the communities of the Central Valley. Many people lost their homes and businesses, and some were stranded by the floodwaters. The flooding also caused power outages, disrupted transportation, and contaminated drinking water supplies.