NRS 433V Introduction To Nursing Research

Emergency preparedness- Role of Nurse

The paper by Kako et al., (2013) outlined the impact of earthquake and tsunami on east coast of Japan and role of emergency nurses during that time. A literature review was done to describe the role nurses during the disaster. Nurses played a crucial role in response to the earthquakes and management of crisis during that period.

During the first phase of emergency planning, public health nurses need to facilitate and coordinate care and communication with other members of healthcare team. As illustrated in the paper, east coast of Japan is prone to earthquakes and prior to calamities; nurses undertook many activities for emergency preparedness (Kako et al., 2013). A public health nurse has the responsibility to effectively observe and assess the emergencies with flexible application to disaster situations.

In the second phase, it is important to take up activities like emergency operations, search and rescue and public warning systems. In the paper, the nurses worked in local hospitals, evacuation centers and nursing areas (Kako et al., 2013). As there is shortage of resources during disasters, nurses have to be flexible in adjusting their nursing role that is of paramount importance. The nursing activities need to be communicated as depicted in the paper like patient transfer with right facility at the right time. During emergencies, leadership plays an important role in leading and coordinating nursing for patient safety. This was depicted when leadership was important in leading Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) in collecting complex information and in coordinating with hospitals (Kako et al., 2013). In the third phase after disaster, nurses have to carry out activities for recovery like psychosocial support, mental health counselling and long-term care.

After a disaster, there are mental health issues witnessed in victims (Goldmann & Galea, 2014). From the paper by Kako et al., (2013) it is evident that nurses have to undertake many roles during a disaster like communicator, psychosocial supporter, clinician, leader and exhibit specialized roles. Nurses also undertake coordination with joint commission, local governments and members of healthcare team in meeting the demands of affected population and health surveillance. Therefore, expansion of educational opportunities is important for emergency nurses during disasters to support the affected population.

References

Goldmann, E., & Galea, S. (2014). Mental health consequences of disasters. Annual review of public health, 35, 169-183.

Kako, M., Ranse, J., Yamamoto, A., & Arbon, P. (2014). What was the role of nurses during the 2011 Great East Earthquake of Japan? An integrative review of the Japanese literature. Prehospital and disaster medicine, 29(3), 275-279.