Reference no: EM133758246

1. Nursing responsibilities in disaster preparedness and response vary based on population and the impending disaster. In most cases, nurses are tasked with moving patients to safer locations pro, vide initial care for patients within the healthcare setting and provide triage care for patients from the community. In my future practice working with obstetrical populations, pregnant women, and newborns, mobility is limited due to implications on mobility, dependency on oxygen supplementation, patients with open wounds, patients using catheters, and patients with cesarean delivery wounds. The other challenge I would experience with the OB patient population is the need for a room with ample resting space and access to products for newborns such as supplements, change of clothes, and milk. In severe cases, disasters can induce spontaneous delivery for pregnant patients, increasing the need for bigger space. Besides, patients may develop neurologic complications due to trauma, such as depression, which implicates subsequent care for patients(Wiese et al., 2021).

FEMA courses and training provide extensive knowledge on the overall process of disaster response at the organizational level involving the health providers and other parties. Besides, simulations of disaster response present extensive opportunities through which hands-on training can be gained. Simulations allow specialization on diverse disaster cases and provide real-life scenarios customized for specific areas of training (Wiese et al., 2021). Different training options to participate in involve the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. The program provides practice skills in disaster operations with a wider coverage in training and teamwork. To be more prepared, there is a need to expand training and exposure to disaster response and management scenarios through simulations, training, and seminars will improve overall preparedness for disaster response.

2.As a nurse involved in disaster preparedness and response, my role is critical in ensuring effective care during emergencies. Since many of my patients are Armenian and I am fluent in Armenian, I can bridge language barriers and provide culturally sensitive care. However, challenges such as understanding specific cultural practices and maintaining trust during crises remain. To address these challenges and enhance my preparedness, I can participate in local training programs offered by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the UCLA Center for Public Health and Disasters, as well as engage in online courses from FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and platforms like Coursera and edX. Research highlights the importance of targeted training and cultural competence in managing disaster-related issues effectively. VanDevanter et al. (2024) stress the need for continuous training to handle disaster scenarios, while Gallegos et al. (2023) emphasize the role of cultural competence in delivering appropriate care to diverse patient populations.