Mobilization of a nursing community after a disaster.
OBJECTIVE
This article is a personal account of the author's experience of coordinating American Red Cross Disaster Health Services in her home community (Fort Worth, TX) following Hurricane Katrina. Although the community was 550 miles away from the impacted area, thousands of evacuees arrived in this community in need of immediate attention.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to share significant lessons that were learned from the experience to help other communities prepare for future disasters. SOURCE FOR INFORMATION: The article is derived from the author's experience and observation.


CONCLUSIONS
In the midst of a disaster, nurses have a unique opportunity to make a professional contribution to recovery efforts. Learning from previous experiences can strengthen the effectiveness of our response.
Weeks
Susan Mace
SM
Texas Christian University, Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Fort Worth, TX, USA. s.weeks@tcu.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004190:Disasters; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010560:Personnel Selection; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011638:Public Housing; D012011:Red Cross / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D013597:Systems Analysis; D013781:Texas; D014838:Volunteers / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology