Disaster Nursing: What You Need to Know

Unpredictable events are common in this field, and nurses tend to thrive in this environment. A solid commitment to protect and advocate for their patients — even when their own health could be at risk — just comes naturally for nurses. During times of widespread disaster, either manmade or natural, nurses can be key responders as they contribute professionally and personally for patients across the country. September is National Preparedness Month, and it is a great time for nurses to think more about how they can help when tragedy strikes.

How can nurses get involved?

Nurses provide physical, emotional, and mental care to patients during times of war, large-scale population displacement, and local emergencies that strain community resources. Complex problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate and delegate care allow nurses to adjust with the situation and still provide quality care to patients in need. To get involved, you first need to decide how you want to contribute:

  • Are you willing to travel across the country at a moment’s notice, or would you prefer to work locally?
  • Are there certain types of disasters in which you do not want to participate?
  • Is there a particular phase of disaster preparedness that interests you, such as preparedness, relief, response, or recovery?

Once you have answered these questions, it is time to get active and let disaster relief organizations know you are willing and ready to help.

Organizations and registries for disaster nursing

Whether you’d like to assist locally or travel out of state, there is a role for you in disaster nursing. Nurses who are pregnant or have chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, should not accept stressful travel assignments to provide disaster relief. There is plenty of work to be done from home. For example, through the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), volunteer nurses train others and distribute preparedness materials in their local communities. You can also consider working directly with your hospital’s administration or with local community leaders to create emergency response plans.

If you would like to register as a disaster-response nurse, here are a few organizations to consider:

  1. National Disaster Medical System (NDMS): This group supports the federal government’s relief efforts by forming Disaster Management Assistant Teams (DMATs) of medical and paraprofessional medical staff. DMAT team members are activated for two-week cycles and are considered part-time federal employees.
  2. The American Red Cross: This nonprofit organization provides food and shelter, as well as physical and mental health aid to more than 70,000 people each year. Nurses may affiliate with local Red Cross Chapters, and volunteers must attend training courses before they are activated.
  3. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC): Operating both a medical and civilian reserve corps, the MRC coordinates medical personnel to support and supplement the surge of patients admitted to medical facilities after a disaster. Medical volunteers will work in healthcare facilities to treat patients quickly and effectively as a support team to full-time staff. The MRC is operated by a branch of the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General.
  4. RN Response Network (RNRN): Developed after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, RNRN directly sends nurses to provide medical care to victims. The group offers housing, transportation, and out-of-state licensure for volunteers.
  5. Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP): The ESAR-VHP is a state-based registry for healthcare volunteers. All nurses are eligible for registration, but they are not required to respond during a disaster. Each state maintains their own ESAR-VHP regulations, and the group focuses on advanced training, credentialing, and registration to get volunteers to the front lines more quickly.

Being prepared to serve

Before heading out on a disaster call, make sure to consider a few personal and professional points to keep you and your family safe and healthy:

  • Make sure you have a family emergency plan in place before a disaster, so you do not have to leave your own family when they are in need.
  • Update your immunizations and have regular physical exams to make sure you are healthy enough to handle the job’s demands.
  • Build a kit with personal supplies to sustain yourself. Some volunteer groups will provide this for you. Your kit should include a water filter, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a sewing kit, and batteries.

Disaster nursing offers an ever-expanding opportunity for action and involvement. Stay prepared and make a plan, so that you can join the ranks of nurses that save lives when disaster strikes.