235435 National Student Nurse Program for Disaster Sheltering: Preparing student nurses to respond

Monday, October 31, 2011: 8:50 AM

Janice Springer, RN, PHN, MA, DNP(c) , Disaster Health Services, American Red Cross, Foley, MN
     
Disaster preparedness is a critical component in the professional development of nursing students. Since 2009 the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has required emergency preparedness/disaster management content in baccalaureate programs accredited by AACN's accrediting organization (CCNE). In addition, nursing programs urge strong community service components. Red Cross has developed a National Student Nurse Program (NSNP) whereby hundreds and potentially thousands of nursing students would be better prepared for disaster response as spontaneous volunteers and some would enroll as Red Cross nurse volunteers.

After conducting a 2010 nationwide survey of its State Nurse Liaison Network, Red Cross found multiple courses and methodologies provided through Chapter/nursing efforts to connect with student nurses. We determined that without consistency of program, duplication of effort and increased resource use occurred. In addition, organizational measurement of training outcome re: increased student preparedness and Red Cross volunteer recruitment/retention was unknown.

A course specifically focused on Shelter Nursing (4 hours) for nursing students was piloted in 12 Schools of Nursing during the 2010-11 school year. The course included pre and post tests with paired t test analysis, and course evaluation to help with final design. The course will be released to schools of nursing in a phased strategy beginning Fall, 2011.

Session Goal: This session will familiarize the participant with the program concept, with interaction and discussion around innovative approaches for pre-training of spontaneous volunteers, and enhancing the disaster response workforce through specific use of trained student nurses.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
„X Describe Red Cross health response efforts, to include use of nurse volunteers (both licensed and student) within disaster health services „X Describe elements of a spontaneous volunteer training that goes beyond ¡§knowledge only¡¨ „X List at least two other ways to meaningfully engage pre-licensure health volunteers in preparedness efforts

Keywords: Disasters, Public Health Nursing

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the original co-author of the content. Am working on my doctorate with a focus on disaster sheltering.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Disasters: response and recovery, and health access
See more of: Public Health Nursing