Vulnerable populations in an American Red Cross shelter after Hurricane Katrina.
OBJECTIVE
During Katrina, people suddenly encountered multiple losses, including homes, finances, medications, and death of loved ones. The Model of Vulnerable Populations illustrates how reduced resources placed individuals at greater risk for harm.


OBJECTIVE
Using vignettes and the Model of Vulnerable Populations, a psychiatric nurse discusses her experiences as an American Red Cross psychiatric/mental health nurse volunteer after the Katrina disaster at a Mississippi shelter.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of the mental health nurse volunteer was demonstrated by assessment and interventions of advocacy, referral, crisis intervention, and general support and education.


CONCLUSIONS
Using the Model of Vulnerable Populations, psychiatric nurses can improve mental health assessment and services by counseling, advocacy, triage, and teaching disease prevention strategies such as hand washing.
Saunders
Judith M
JM
judith_saunders@hotmail.com
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D018672:Community Health Planning; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000458:organization & administration; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004190:Disasters; D006295:Health Resources / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D008603:Mental Health; D008922:Mississippi; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011638:Public Housing; D012011:Red Cross / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014838:Volunteers / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data