7J: Universal Readiness: A Panel Discussion on the Future of Disaster Nursing Education

Friday, September 25   11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Disaster preparedness is no longer a niche specialty; it is a fundamental responsibility for the entire nursing workforce. In this dynamic 45-minute moderated panel, members of the NLN Disaster Special Interest Group (SAG) will discuss the evolution of their national vision statement and the critical need to integrate disaster readiness into an already dense nursing curriculum.The session moves beyond theoretical frameworks by centering on the human element of crisis. Panelists will share "stories from the field"—real-world examples of nursing intervention and community resilience—to illustrate how disaster preparedness saves lives and mitigates suffering.

The session will conclude with a preview of the Disaster Nursing Toolkit, a collection of resources designed to empower faculty and students to act with confidence before, during, and after a crisis.

Presenters:

Audrey Snyder, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC | Widener University Dwyer School of School of Nursing

Linda MacIntyre, PhD | University of California, San Francisco

Tara Heagele PhD, RN, FAAN | Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing Hunter College of the City University of New York

Aisha Brooks, CEO and Chief Strategist | VitalVoice Nursing