Disaster events can be a nerve-wracking experience for everyone involved, so in the case that one happens it is important for the healthcare providers involved to have a plan. Most hospitals will have an Emergency Operating Plan to follow in case of a natural or man-made disaster, so it is very important for the nurse to stay updated on their role in this plan. During a mass casualty or disaster event nurses will most likely be triaging patients. This can be difficult as the nurse’s role in a disaster event is a bit different than it would be in an emergency room triage. Patients are triaged based on who is most likely to survive, and those not expected to survive usually receive treatment last. Along with treating patients during a disaster, nurses also help with transporting and evacuating patients to other hospitals or safe areas.
I think that both ethical codes bring up good points when thinking about disaster nursing. Provision 2 states that “a nurse’s primary responsibility is to the patient” and I think that is true as long as the nurse is being mindful of their safety during the disaster. While a nurse might have to put themselves in harm’s way to care for a patient, they will not be able to perform good care for other patients if they get injured. That is why I would agree more with Provision 5 which states “a nurse owes the same duty to self”. A nurse might push their own wellbeing to the side when caring for patients, since we want to do the best, we can for them while they are under are care, but it is important to remember your own safety as well.
Nicely written, thanks for sharing.