NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 3 Disaster Recovery Plan

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 4060 Practicing in the Community to Improve Population Health

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

Hello everyone, I am —-, and I hope you are well. I am a registered nurse currently serving as the senior nurse at Valley City Regional Hospital. I’m here now to give a thorough disaster management and recovery plan to address our community’s anticipated threat of severe tornadoes. Our hospital administrator, Jennifer Paulson, recently informed me that the National Weather Service has warned about an elevated risk of severe tornadoes this season. This news underscores the urgent need to prepare to minimize potential mass casualties and ensure that our hospital remains operational during and after such a disaster.

This disaster plan provides a structured and effective response to potential tornado-related emergencies. Given the lessons gained from earlier events, such as the catastrophic train derailment and explosion two years ago, it is clear that we need a well-coordinated and detailed plan to avoid the chaos and inefficiencies experienced during that event (Capella University, n.d.). With this plan, we aim to mobilize our resources, assess our needs and strengths, and implement concrete action steps to protect our community and enhance our recovery efforts. Let’s now delve into the specifics of our disaster management and recovery plan.

Determinants of Health and Related Barriers Impacting Disaster Recovery Efforts

Health is influenced by various interconnected factors, including cultural, social, and economic elements. These factors encompass the conditions in which we live, our environmental surroundings, our religious and customary beliefs, genetics, education levels, and the nature of our relationships with peers and families. Collectively, these are known as the determinants of health. When crafting a disaster recovery plan, it’s crucial to consider these determinants and potential barriers to ensure its effectiveness in disaster preparedness and recovery (Rahmani et al., 2022). Now, let’s explore some obstacles that can impact our disaster recovery efforts.

Cultural Barriers

Cultural barriers can significantly impact disaster recovery efforts. Cultural customs and beliefs can also affect how people view and respond to disaster warnings and recovery efforts. For example, some cultural groups might prioritize collective decision-making, which can delay immediate action during emergencies, resulting in slower response times and increased vulnerability (Rahmani et al., 2022). Valley City has a predominantly white population (93%), with small percentages of Latino (3%), African-American (2%), Native American (1%), and other races (1%). Furthermore, the number of unauthorized migrant laborers with poor English ability is uncertain. This diversity means that some of our population may face communication challenges during emergencies, leading to misunderstandings and delayed responses (Capella University, n.d.).

Social Barriers

Social factors, such as community networks and social cohesion, play a critical role in disaster recovery. In Valley City, 17.1% of the population is under 18, 22% are 65 or older, and a significant portion has special needs, including 204 elderly residents with complex health conditions and 147 physically disabled individuals who rely on lip-reading or American Sign Language for communication (Capella University, n.d.). The city’s homeless population cannot be housed at the shelter due to its total capacity. This indicates a vulnerable population segment that may struggle to receive timely information and assistance during a disaster. The city’s financial crisis further strained the social structure, resulting in layoffs at the police and fire departments and weakening the emergency response capabilities (Finucane et al., 2020).

Economic Barriers

Economic factors are crucial in disaster recovery efforts. Valley City is amid a financial crisis, with looming insolvency and layoffs in critical services like the fire and police agencies. This economic instability means that many residents and the city need more resources to prepare for or recover from a disaster adequately. For instance, the Valley City Regional Hospital, a 105-bed facility currently housing 97 patients, needs more infrastructure and equipment, including overhauling aging ambulances (Capella University, n.d.). Persistent deficits have prevented necessary upgrades, and the hospital may need to downsize its nursing staff. This economic hardship exacerbates social and cultural barriers, as those with fewer resources may have limited access to information, support networks, and essential services, further hindering recovery efforts (Finucane et al., 2020).

These interconnected factors influence safety, health, and disaster recovery efforts. Cultural factors synergistically impact these efforts, including unique customs and social aspects. Addressing cultural factors through cultural sensitivity principles, alongside tackling social issues related to living conditions, environmental factors, and individual characteristics such as age and genetics, can enhance disaster recovery efforts. Additionally, economic support can help mitigate social and cultural barriers, improving overall disaster recovery outcomes (Rouhanizadeh et al., 2020).

Proposed Disaster Recovery Plan

The disaster recovery plan for preparing and managing the upcoming tornadoes is structured around the MAP-IT approach. This strategy encompasses the following steps: Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, and Track.

Mobilize

To effectively manage disaster recovery in Valley City, mobilizing a diverse group of collaborative partners is crucial. This includes Valley City Regional Hospital staff, local government agencies such as the City Council and Emergency Management, and various community organizations, including the Valley City Homeless Shelter and local religious groups. Additionally, volunteer groups, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local businesses play vital roles. By bringing together these stakeholders, we can pool resources, share expertise, and ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response to the disaster (American College Health Association, 2023).

Assess

Assessing the community needs in Valley City involves a detailed analysis of demographic data and specific details related to potential disasters like severe tornadoes. The physical needs include medical services for the injured, safe shelters for displaced residents, and essential supplies such as food, water, and medication. Emotional needs are also critical, requiring psychological support and counseling services for trauma-affected individuals. Cultural needs are addressed by providing translation services for the percentage of the population who are non-native English speakers and implementing culturally sensitive communication strategies. Financial needs include assistance for those economically affected by the disaster and support for the unemployed. Specific data highlights the diverse age distribution and the presence of special needs populations, which include 147 people with physical disabilities and 204 senior citizens with complicated medical issues., which are crucial for tailored disaster recovery efforts (American College Health Association, 2023).

Plan

Developing a recovery plan for Valley City involves ensuring the equitable allocation of services across the community. This includes prioritizing aid for the most vulnerable populations, such as the old, the crippled, the people who don’t understand English, and the destitute. Multiple shelters will be established, including those tailored for special health needs. Triage classification will be used to categorize injuries: Immediate (Red) for life-threatening injuries requiring urgent care, Delayed (Yellow) for severe but not life-threatening injuries, Minor (Green) for minor injuries, and Expectant (Black) for those beyond the scope of medical help. The plan aims to reduce health disparities by ensuring all community members have access to information and resources, providing transportation to shelters and medical facilities, and promoting community health and preparedness to meet Healthy People 2020 and 2030 goals.

Implement

Implementing the disaster recovery plan involves a systematic approach to reach the defined goals. Key actions include setting up and managing shelters, coordinating medical services, and distributing essential supplies. Psychological support services will be established to address emotional needs, while translation services and culturally sensitive communication strategies will be rolled out to cater to the diverse population. Financial aid programs will be initiated to support those affected economically. The plan also emphasizes reducing health disparities by ensuring equitable access to healthcare and other essential services, particularly for vulnerable groups. Outreach and education programs will be conducted to enhance community preparedness and resilience (American College Health Association, 2023).

Track

Tracking the progress of the disaster recovery efforts involves continuous data collection and analysis. This includes regularly updating community health data and monitoring service usage to identify gaps. Feedback from community members and partners will be collected so that necessary adjustments can be made to the plan. A robust contact tracing process will be implemented to maintain updated contact information for vulnerable populations, coordinating with local agencies and community groups to ensure accurate tracking. Technology and volunteer efforts will be utilized to trace and communicate with affected individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary aid and services. Progress towards achieving Healthy People 2020 and 2030 goals will be regularly reviewed, with efforts to continuously improve access to healthcare and reduce health disparities in the community (American College Health Association, 2023).

Proposed Disaster Recovery Plan, Health Disparities & Access to Community Services

The proposed disaster plan seeks to improve access to community resources and reduce health inequities by incorporating social justice and health equity concepts. This entails ensuring equitable treatment for all individuals affected by the disaster, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity, through comprehensive training and enforcement of policies promoting health equity and social justice. Violations of these policies would immediately cease involvement in disaster recovery activities, thereby upholding principles of health equity and social justice.

Ensuring health equity throughout the community requires a strong commitment to social justice and cultural sensitivity concepts. Social justice is a cornerstone for fostering fairness in all aspects of society, including disaster recovery efforts, to promote a healthier society by reducing health disparities and providing equitable health and safety services to vulnerable populations (Habibzadeh et al., 2021). Recognizing the cultural diversity within communities, it is essential to maintain a workforce that respects and values cultural beliefs through cross-cultural training and recruitment of culturally diverse staff. Additionally, providing interpreters for individuals with limited proficiency in the predominant language further improves disaster preparedness and recovery management by facilitating effective communication and understanding across cultural barriers.

Health and Governmental Policies Impacting Disaster Recovery Efforts

Numerous health and governmental policies have been instituted to bolster disaster preparedness and recovery management. One such policy, the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, mandates local, state, and tribal governments to undergo mitigation planning to qualify for post-disaster mitigation grants from FEMA (FEMA, 2023). This legislation facilitates disaster recovery by outlining requirements for local mitigation plans and permitting allocating up to 7% of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds. Adherence to this act enables community members to swiftly engage in mitigation activities to minimize the impact of disasters on their lives.

Similarly, the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006 addresses deficiencies in preparing for and responding to Hurricane Katrina by delineating agency roles in emergency management. It establishes and maintains a National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Systems to enhance disaster management and mitigation efforts (FEMA, 2023). By implementing provisions outlined in this act, disaster recovery efforts can be more effectively structured, as it guides the development of the National Disaster Recovery Strategy and National Disaster Housing Strategy. These strategies aim to expedite recovery efforts and address immediate housing needs, aiding affected individuals in restoring and rebuilding their lives. Ultimately, these policies offer the potential for community members to experience expedited disaster recovery and an enhanced quality of life following disasters.

Communication Strategies to Enhance Interprofessional Collaboration

Practical disaster recovery efforts require collaboration among various professionals from different disciplines. Communication is vital for coordinating with interprofessional teams during disasters, and several strategies can be employed to overcome communication barriers. Educating interprofessional personnel about their responsibilities fosters a shared understanding of goals and vision (Klenke-Borgmann et al., 2022). Non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language, can enhance clarity and openness in communication (Burgoon et al., 2021). For instance, maintaining an open posture and appropriate eye contact facilitates a conducive communication environment. Implementing two-way communication, involving both giving and receiving feedback, further strengthens collaboration (Raja et al., 2022).

These evidence-based strategies are crucial in improving interprofessional collaboration for disaster recovery by addressing communication challenges. Teams with shared goals and clear responsibilities can process information efficiently—non-verbal cues aid in conveying information rapidly during emergencies. Additionally, employing feedback mechanisms ensures alignment and accuracy of information exchange. Ultimately, these communication strategies contribute to expedited disaster recovery, enhanced safety and health outcomes, and reduced fatalities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comprehensive disaster management and recovery plan outlined for Valley City in response to the anticipated threat of severe tornadoes is a robust framework designed to safeguard the community and enhance recovery efforts. By following the MAP-IT approach—Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, and Track—we aim to mobilize collaborative partners, assess community needs, develop an equitable recovery plan, implement concrete action steps, and track progress continuously. The plan addresses various determinants of health, including cultural, social, and economic factors, acknowledging their interconnectedness and impact on safety, health, and disaster recovery efforts.

Additionally, policies such as the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006 provide crucial guidance and support for disaster recovery efforts. Communication strategies are essential for fostering interprofessional collaboration, ensuring effective coordination among diverse teams during emergencies. By integrating principles of health equity, social justice, and cultural sensitivity, we aim to mitigate health disparities and improve access to community services, thereby promoting a healthier and more resilient community. Ultimately, through concerted efforts and collaboration, we aspire to build a community that is prepared, resilient, and capable of overcoming the challenges posed by natural disasters.

References

American College Health Association. (2023). Map-It framework. Www.acha.org. https://www.acha.org/HealthyCampus/Map-It_Framework.aspx

Burgoon, J. K., Manusov, V., & Guerrero, L. K. (2021). Nonverbal communication. Nonverbal Communication. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003095552

Capella University. (n.d.). Assessment 03 – Disaster recovery plan. Capella.edu. https://signon.capella.edu/idp/SSO.

FEMA. (2023, April 25).Regulations and guidance.https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/hazard-mitigation-planning/regulations-guidance#:~:text=The%20Disaster%20Mitigation%20Act%20of 

FEMA. (2023, March 23). National level exercise background.  https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/planning-exercises/nle/background 

Finucane, M. L., Acosta, J., Wicker, A., & Whipkey, K. (2020). Short-term solutions to a long-term challenge: Rethinking disaster recovery planning to reduce vulnerabilities and inequities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(2), 482. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020482 

Habibzadeh, H., Jasemi, M., & Hosseinzadegan, F. (2021). Social justice in health system; a neglected component of academic nursing education: A qualitative study. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00534-1 

NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 3 Disaster Recovery Plan

Klenke-Borgmann, L., DiGregorio, H., & Cantrell, M. A. (2022). Role clarity and interprofessional colleagues in psychological safety. Simulation in Healthcare: The Journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.1097/sih.0000000000000662

Rahmani, M., Muzwagi, A., & Pumariega, A. J. (2022). Cultural factors in disaster response among diverse children and youth around the world. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01356-x 

Raja, S., Logeshwaran, J., Venkatasubramanian, S., Jayalakshmi, M., Rajeswari, N., Olaiya, N. G., & Mammo, W. D. (2022). OCHSA: Designing energy-efficient lifetime-aware leisure degree adaptive routing protocol with optimal cluster head selection for 5G communication network disaster management. Scientific Programming, 2022, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5424356

Rouhanizadeh, B., Kermanshachi, S., & Nipa, T. J. (2020). Exploratory analysis of barriers to effective post-disaster recovery. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 50(1), 101735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101735