The Emergency Department Nurse’s Role in a Disaster-Works Consulted

Works Consulted

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The responsibilities of emergency department (ED) nurses during a disaster are multifaceted and crucial to effective patient care and outcomes. Core roles include triage, where nurses use systems such as the START, JumpSTART, and SALT algorithms to prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions. These triage systems help in efficiently managing mass casualty incidents and ensuring that those in critical need receive timely attention.<br /><br />ED nurses must excel in teamwork and communication, as highlighted by Bhatt and Swick (2017), which are essential skills for improving patient safety during chaotic disaster scenarios. They are also responsible for managing chemical hazards and ensuring that proper protocols are followed for exposure and contamination scenarios, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.<br /><br />Effective disaster response also requires adherence to guidelines and frameworks set by federal agencies such as FEMA's National Incident Management System, ensuring cohesive and structured management during emergencies. Nurses must stay abreast of updates and best practices in disaster management, as described in the Emergency Severity Index Handbook by the Emergency Nurses Association.<br /><br />Stress management for ED nurses is another crucial aspect, given the high-pressure environment. Techniques for stress reduction can significantly impact their ability to maintain composure and provide efficient care. Resources from organizations like the CDC and Mindful offer valuable strategies for managing traumatic incident stress.<br /><br />In summary, ED nurses play a pivotal role during disasters, encompassing triage, patient care, teamwork, communication, chemical hazard management, adherence to federal guidelines, and personal stress management. Their expertise and preparedness are vital components in the overall disaster response and recovery efforts.

Keywords

emergency department

nurses

disaster response

triage systems

patient care

teamwork

communication

chemical hazards

federal guidelines

stress management