• Catherine J Goodhue, Rita V Burke, Rizaldy R Ferrer, Nikunj K Chokshi, Fred Dorey, and Jeffrey S Upperman.
• Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, MS#100, 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. cgoodhue@chla.usc.edu
• J Pediatr Health Care. 2012 Jul 1;26(4):e7-20.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine factors associated with pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) reporting to work in the event of a disaster.MethodsAn anonymous national survey of PNPs was conducted. Several domains were explored, including demographics, personal preparedness plans, disaster training, prior disaster experience, and likelihood of responding in the event of a disaster. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors were associated with the respondent's likelihood of responding in the event of a disaster.ResultsFactors associated with increased likelihood of responding included gender (being a male PNP), military experience, and disaster training. The most significant factor associated with an increased likelihood of responding to work during a disaster was having a specified role in the workplace disaster plan. PNPs with a specified role were three times more likely to respond than were those without a specified role.ConclusionsPNPs are health care workers with advanced skill sets. This untapped resource is available to provide care for a vulnerable population: our children. Disaster planners should explore the possibility of utilizing these highly skilled health care workers in their disaster plans.Copyright © 2012 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

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