School nurses as volunteers in a bioterrorism event.
Most public health departments do not have enough public health nurses to adequately respond to a bioterrorist attack or other large-scale health emergency and would need to look to volunteers to help with staffing needs in an emergency. The National Association of School Nurses supports the use of school nurses, a skilled workforce, as responders in a mass casualty event, whether it is naturally occurring or as a result of bioterrorism. This article explores the use of school nurses to supplement public health staff during an emergency. A Likert-scale survey was used to assess the preparedness and willingness of school nurses to respond to a health threat. Although school nurses are willing to respond, the findings highlight the importance of continued education on risk and personal protection.
Gullion
Jessica Smartt
JS
Denton County Health Department, Denton, Texas 76209, USA. jessica.gullion@dentoncounty.com
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011637:Public Health Nursing; D012573:School Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013781:Texas; D014838:Volunteers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce