Role of intensive care and emergency nurses in disasters

I presented to a group of students undertaking postgraduate studies in Critical Care Nursing at the University of Canberra. My presentation focused on both the in-hospital and out-of-hospital role of intensive care and emergency nurses, in disasters. The presentation emphasised that in-hospital, nurses will and should continue to practice in their normal roles. Additionally, in the out-of-hospital environment, nurses are more likely to undertake a primary health, emotional supporter and problem-solver role, than undertaking a trauma / surgical role.

This presentation also covered topics such as; willingness to assist during a disaster, education for nurses in disaster health and other topics of consideration for emergency and intensive care nurses.

Ranse J. (2011). Role of intensive care and emergency nurses in disasters; presented to students of the University of Canberra – Postgraduate Critical Care Nursing, Canberra, ACT, 30th August.