Analyze disaster response and emergency preparedness:  Identify nursing roles and responsibilities during each phase of disaster management.

Disaster planning, preparedness and response

During a disaster, it is essential for nurses to participate in all phases of disaster management which includes mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. In the mitigation phase, nurses can identify areas that are at risk for disasters and develop strategies to reduce the likelihood of harm. This can include creating or updating emergency policies and procedures as well as providing education to staff on best practices.

In the preparedness phase, nurses should be involved in training exercises so they understand how to respond in an emergency situation. This may involve creating simulations or drills that prepare them for various types of disasters such as natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes) or man-made disasters (e.g., terrorism). Additionally, this stage requires ensuring adequate supplies are available and determining evacuation plans for patients if needed.

During the response phase, nurses must coordinate patient care during an acute event while also managing potential casualties from hospitals and other healthcare facilities affected by the disaster. They may need to quickly assess patient needs and provide life-saving treatments such as airway management or CPR if necessary.

The recovery phase requires collaboration among multiple disciplines including nursing to ensure continuity of care throughout this process in order to minimize long-term physical and psychological consequences from exposure during a disaster situation. For example, nurses should focus on providing emotional support during this period while helping restore functioning levels back to baseline prior to any adverse event(s).