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WEEK 7 POST REPLY DISCUSSION COMMUNITY HEALTH NURS

In the state of Florida, we are all pretty aware of when Hurricane season is and a basic understanding of supply needs etc. This billboard advertisement is conveying the Hurricane Warning of Ian a few months ago.  This impacts anyone who drives by and views this display. They know that a Hurricane Warning is in effect and changes to educate on what to do to prepare. This type of advertisement has a direct impact on how Floridians prepare for the immanent hurricane.

This billboard doesn't just impact one setting in the community but every setting in our communities. The display changes based on what the local Government wants to people of their community to know. For example, it changes to display that Zone 1 were under mandatory evacuations. These are identified when a home is purchased and normally means low lying and waterfront properties. It helps to ensure that everyone is aware of the minute-by-minute changes related to Hurricanes. For all nurses in any type of care setting, Acute Care, SNF, ALF this sign has direct impact on their role prior to, during and post storm. For the acute care facility, all nurses are assigned to a Storm Group. In my instance, group A was locked into both of our hospitals to care for patients. This lasts for as long as Emergency Services declare the roads unsafe and suspend all emergency services. Once the All Clear is called, the second group comes to relieve staff. 

One role for community nursing is to provide education to those they come in contact with during house visits or office visits. Working with their clients to ensure they have at least 30 days of their medications in case of the worst outcomes of landfall. They also have the ability to work with local resources to find safe evacuation locations based on their client's needs. For example, there are shelters for specific types of patients that require special equipment like oxygen etc. With guidance the client will have a safe environment to shelter during the storm and post storm if needed. The nurse can also guide the client on what is needed when they go to shelter like blankets, clothes, water and food. This collaboration is crucial to ensure that the most fragile and vulnerable clients are evaluated, and arrangements are made to provide a safe space for them to be during the storm. Without Emergency Management placing signs and billboards in the communities, the most vulnerable may not be able to get access to the latest information and resources. Community nurses are a critical element in the preparedness of clients through out the state.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Ready.  https://www.ready.gov/ Links to an external site.

Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2019). Community/public health nursing: Promoting the health of  populations (7th ed.). Elsevier