Jamla Rizek
Preparing nurses for the front line: A dialogue on disaster preparedness and response
This session provides an in-depth look at how nurses navigate mass casualty incidents and the complex landscape of disasters based on real-world scenarios. Participants will explore the essential phases of disaster response and recovery, gaining insight into the critical decision-making and coordination required in disaster settings. The presentation highlights the diverse and indispensable roles nurses play—from rapid assessment and lifesaving intervention for affected communities. Emphasis is placed on how faculty can prepare students for clinical readiness, interprofessional collaboration, and compassionate care, offering a comprehensive understanding of how nurses contribute to resilience and effective disaster management.
Linda MacIntyre
From impact to recovery: Preparing future nurses for their roles in disasters
This session explores disaster readiness and recovery, emphasizing ethical responsibilities of nurses and their roles before, during, and after disasters. Participants will examine practical approaches to disaster readiness, including personal preparedness, understanding local risks, and recognizing the value of knowing neighbors before emergencies occur. The presentation highlights learning effective triage strategies and the importance of assessing an individual’s strengths and listening to promote recovery. Attention is also given to nurses’ well-being, incorporating disaster education throughout the curricula, and how faculty readiness supports student learning and confidence in disaster nursing.
