What is the role of nursing students and schools of nursing during disaster? A discussion paper

Abstract

During times of disaster, the front-line nursing workforce and the health services in which they work may be overwhelmed by a surge in patient demand. As a result, assistance will be required to bolster the nursing workforce. Commonly, discussions regarding workforce supply and sustainability during disasters are isolated within particular health service institutions. The aims of this discussion paper are to; firstly, consider the potential contribution of nursing students and schools of nursing within Australian universities to increase the health workforce during a disaster, and secondly, to present a number of recommendations that universities and schools of nursing could consider in developing their own emergency and disaster plans.