02/20/2024
Nurses on the Frontline: New Report Urges Stronger Disaster Preparedness Education
Announcing the ACHNE White Paper: Disaster and Emergency Preparedness White Paper for Community/Public Health Nursing Educators
The Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE) is proud to announce the release of its groundbreaking white paper, "Disaster and Emergency Preparedness White Paper for Community/Public Health Nursing Educators." This comprehensive document emphasizes and clarifies that community/public health nurses (C/PH nurses) are vital for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness White Paper for Community/Public Health Nursing Educators
Community/public health nurses (C/PH nurses) are often the first responders and crucial figures in disaster recovery, yet their education frequently lacks vital disaster preparedness training. The Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE) sounds the alarm in a new report, calling for stronger disaster education in nursing curricula.
Key findings:
- Disasters are on the rise due to climate change, urbanization, and other factors.
- C/PH nurses possess unique knowledge of vulnerable communities, making them essential during crises.
- The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in current disaster preparedness training for nurses.
- Many nursing programs lack sufficient disaster content, leaving graduates unprepared.
The ACHNE proposes
- Disaster and disaster preparedness education for all nursing students and professionals.
- Tailored content for different nursing levels, from novice to advanced.
- Focus on leadership, policy, and community response skills.
- Development of evidence-based best practices for disaster nursing education.
This report is a must-read for
- Nursing educators: Implement stronger disaster preparedness education in your programs.
- Nursing organizations: Advocate for increased support and resources for disaster nursing education.
- Public health officials: Understand the critical role of C/PH nurses in disaster preparedness and response.
- Policymakers: Invest in evidence-based disaster nursing education to strengthen our workforce.
- Researchers: Conduct further research on best practices for disaster nursing education.
By investing in stronger disaster preparedness education for nurses, we can ensure communities are better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.
The ACHNE Board of Directors extend their appreciation to the members of the Disaster Preparedness Task Force for their efforts
Jody Spiess, PhD, RN
Pamela Frable, ND, RN