Nursing Management

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DISASTER NURSING

Introduction

Types of disasters

Levels of disaster

Disaster mitigation

Phases of disaster management

Prevention phase
Preparedness phase

Key organizations and professionals in disaster management

Health care community

  • Hospitals
  • Health professionals
  • Pharmacies
  • Public health departments
  • Rescue personnel

Non-health care community

  • Fire fighters
  • Municipal or government officials
  • Media
  • Medical examiners
  • Medical supply manufactures
  • Police

Community preparedness

Response phase

The level of disaster varies and the management plans mainly based on the severity or extent of the disaster.

Recovery phase

Disaster management cycle

Prevention                     ------>        preparedness

         I                                                         v
                                               
Recovery                <---------            response                           

Disaster management plans

Aims of disaster plans

Objectives

Disaster management committee

The following members would comprise the disaster management committee under the chairmanship of medical superintendent/ director

Disaster control room
Rapid response team
Information and communication
Disaster beds
Logistic support system
Training and drills

Elements of disaster plan

A disaster plan should have the following elements

Activation of disaster management plans

Disaster management- nurse’s role in community

Assess the community

Diagnose community disaster threats

Community disaster planning

Implement disaster plans

Evaluate effectiveness of disaster plan

Conclusion

Disaster is an emergency situation, therefore coordination of actions and various departments is an essential requisite for efficient management of mass casualties.

References

  1. Stanhope M, Lancaster J. Community health nursing- process and practice for promoting health. 3rd edn. Mosby year book. St.louis. 1992.

  2. Allender j a, spradly bw. Community health nursing- promoting and practicing the public’s health. 6th edn. Lippincott williams and wilkins. London. 2005

  3. Clemenstone s, mcguire sl, eigsti dg. Comprehensive community health nursing- family aggregate and community practice. 6th edn. Mosby publishers. St louis. 2002

  4. Stanhope m, lancaster j. Community and public health nursing. 6th edn. Mosby publishers. London. 2004.

  5. Lewis sl, heitkemper mm. Medical surgical nursing- assessment and management of problems. Mosby publishers. Philadelphia. 2007.

  6. Taylor c, lillis c, lemone p. Fundamentals of nursing- the art and science of nursing care. 5th edn. Lippincott williams and wilkins. London. 2006.

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