Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination
    J Sch Nurs. 2008 Apr;24(2):78-82.

    The impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana school nurses.

    Source

    University of Louisiana at Lafayette, College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, Lafayette, LA, USA.

    Abstract

    In the fall of 2005, the coast of Louisiana was devastated by two hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. Not only did these natural disasters have detrimental effects for those directly in their path, the storms had an impact on the lives of everyone in Louisiana. The professional practice of many Louisiana school nurses was affected by several factors, including a sudden influx of students with no medical records. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to gain an understanding of school nurses' feelings and experiences related to the hurricanes and their aftermath. Forty-one school nurses participated in the study, and findings revealed significant effects on their personal and professional lives. Themes within each area were identified: uncertainty, hopelessness and helplessness, thankfulness, practice challenges, and practice rewards. Implications for school nursing practice include the need for support during natural disasters and the importance of school nurse involvement in disaster preparedness.

    PMID:
    18363442
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

      Supplemental Content

      Save items

      loading

      Recent activity

      Your browsing activity is empty.

      Activity recording is turned off.

      Turn recording back on

      See more...
      Write to the Help Desk