write a 3- to 4-page paper about the disaster from the community nurse’s perspective.

Assignment: disaster planning for public health | nurs4210 | Walden University

Man-Made Disasters or Natural Catastrophes

My community is most susceptible to a disaster caused by a natural catastrophe, particularly a large earthquake. We live on an important fault and have had several smaller earthquakes. A larger and more devastating earthquake remains a threat. Additionally, being near the coastline makes us more vulnerable to tsunamis.

Buildings, roads and other infrastructure would suffer significant damage in the event of an earthquake. There could be injuries or people trapped. Also, there may be power failures and shortages of water. Gas leaks and electrical problems can cause fires.

A natural disaster, such as an earthquake, could cause several different diseases. The bacterial infection tetanus can be spread through contaminated metal or soil. Cholera can spread via contaminated food and water.

The Nursing Response

If there is a large earthquake, nursing interventions would take place at the community and system levels. The nurses at the systems level would coordinate with hospitals and emergency responders to make sure that adequate resources are available for the response to a disaster.

In the community, nurses will be teaching the general public how to react to and prepare for a disaster. The information could cover emergency supplies, shelters and evacuation routes. The nurses could provide basic medical services and mental health care to those affected by a disaster. They can also refer them to additional resources if needed.

It is important to review the local emergency plan when preparing for disasters. The public health department in my town has an online disaster plan. This plan contains information on emergency management, communications, and evacuation methods. This plan includes instructions to healthcare providers including nurses on how to react to disasters.

The local disaster plan could use some improvement. There is a specific need for detailed information on how healthcare providers should prepare and respond to disasters. It could be information on how to get emergency supplies, communicate with healthcare professionals during a crisis, or how to give care to patients in an emergency setting.

Are My Residents Prepared For A Disaster?

It is evident from the review of my local disaster plan that more needs to be done in order to better prepare for disasters. The plan has some positive features, such as clear communication procedures and evacuation instructions. In my role as a nurse I think that healthcare professionals play an important part in the preparation for disasters and their response. Working together with community members, such as emergency responders, local governments, and community leaders, can help us prepare for any potential disaster.