Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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There is a growing awareness among governments, communities, and health care agencies of the need to evaluate roles and competencies in disaster nursing. A validated instrument was developed to evaluate nurses' competencies for disaster response. ⋯ The Nurses' Disaster Response Competencies Assessment Questionnaire showed good internal consistency, adequate reproducibility, and appropriate feasibility for use to evaluate nurses' competencies for disaster response.
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Emergency nurses are on the frontlines of disaster response. Current research reveals low to moderate levels of disaster preparedness in this population and suggests education as an effective means of increasing preparedness. The purpose of this study was to measure, explore, and increase the preparedness levels among emergency nurses at an acute care community hospital in Southern California. ⋯ These results suggest that a tailored ED-specific disaster preparedness curriculum, delivered through established clinical communication channels, can effectively increase preparedness levels among nurses with little additional cost. The integration of concise, relevant disaster information can be implemented in any department interested in developing a more confident and prepared workforce.
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Disasters of any kind can affect public health severely. A shortage of health care specialists, such as physicians and nurses, during a disaster is a challenge for health care systems. The use of technology is 1 emerging strategy for addressing the continually increasing demand for care. Moreover, nurses may use technology in their roles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the application of telehealth, and more specifically telenursing care, in incidents and disasters. ⋯ Providing health care during a disaster is essential, and technology is of vital importance for such care. Because of the shortage of specialized nurses in disaster areas, the presence of such a group in the telehealth program will provide a new window for care. Thus, telenursing offers a means of improving health care response.