NURS 4210 Week 5 Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health
Every year, numerous individuals worldwide are affected by natural and human-made disasters, such as fires, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and hail. Florida, being a peninsula state surrounded by water and abundant natural water sources, is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including increased frequency and severity of hurricanes and flooding (Veenema, 2017). In order to effectively respond to and recover from such natural disasters, there are national efforts to guide state and local planning regions in coordinating response and recovery plans (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2020). This paper aims to describe the roles of public health nurses (PHNs) and outline an action plan for emergency situations caused by hurricanes.
Hurricanes are large tropical storms with powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 160 mph, causing significant destruction in their path. Living in Florida comes with advantages, such as beautiful outdoor living and proximity to water bodies. However, the state is frequently in the path of hurricanes forming in warm oceans, posing a risk to communities (National Weather Service, 2018). Resources for disaster preparedness, including evacuation zones and routes, are available online, such as on floridadisaster.org.
NURS 4210 Week 5 Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health
Local counties, like Columbia County, employ the mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery method in their comprehensive emergency management plan (Columbiacountyfla.com, 2014). During a disaster, PHNs coordinate with local healthcare resources, such as hospital emergency rooms, school nurses, and representatives from nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The establishment of the Florida Hurricane Response Hub (FL-HRH) supported by the Florida Institute for Health Innovation (FIHI) has improved information sharing, technical assistance, and training for public health preparedness and emergency response (Zolnikov et al., 2020). PHNs play a crucial role in assessing community needs, setting priorities, collaborating with others, and addressing preventive and acute healthcare needs (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2020). Interprofessional collaboration within the community is essential for developing and implementing disaster plans, including practical evacuation strategies and resource allocation for schools, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
NURS 4210 Week 5 Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health
Collaboration with local emergency rooms and understanding their disaster plans is vital for ensuring sufficient healthcare staff and safe accommodations in case of severe catastrophe. In Florida, the aftermath of hurricanes often involves storm surges and flooding, posing additional risks. Columbia County ensures that citizens are well-informed about essential supplies they should have at home, such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, gas, and toilet paper, before storms and floods occur (Floridadisaster.org). Timely activation of evacuation orders and communication through various channels, including text messages, loud television and radio announcements, and county-specific information on websites, is crucial. Barriers to access essential supplies should be addressed, and nursing homes and long-term care facilities should be adequately stocked with healthcare supplies, medications, food, and water. School nurses can remind parents to refill prescriptions in advance. Emergency rooms need to ensure they have sufficient medical supplies, food, water, and backup power sources. Planning team assignments and arrangements at the earliest notice of a potential hurricane threat allows emergency team members to attend to personal matters before dedicating themselves to disaster response shifts.
NURS 4210 Week 5 Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health
In conclusion, our community has established resources and a well-defined plan for hurricanes and their aftermath. Improvements can be made in promptly notifying the community about evacuation orders, ensuring ER staff are informed about plans and teams, and adequately preparing vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and the young, with necessary medications, supplies, and access to food and water. Public health nurses play a vital role in assisting communities during hurricanes by coordinating resources and addressing healthcare needs.
References
Columbia County Emergency Management. (n.d.). Home – Columbia County Emergency Management. Retrieved from
http://em.columbiacountyfla.com/
Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2020). Public health nursing: population-centered health care in the community. Elsevier. National Weather Service. (2018, October 9). Hurricane Michael 2018. Retrieved from
https://www.weather.gov/tae/HurricaneMichael2018
Veenema, T. G., Thornton, C. P., Lavin, R. P., Bender, A. K., Seal, S., & Corley, A. (2017). Climate Change-Related Water Disasters’ Impact on Population Health. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(6), 625–634.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12328
Zolnikov, T. R., Garces, K. P., Bolter, K., Mcguigan, K., & King, R. K. (2020). Enhancing public health preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities through the Florida Hurricane Response Hub. Climate Risk Management, 30, 100251.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2020.100251
