Implementation of a Emergency Preparedness Shelter Manual in Public Health

Abstract

Nurse Administrators have founded that Public Health Nurses (PHN) are not adequately equipped with the knowledge needed to effectively provide nursing care during a disastrous event. Hence, the significance of effectively equipping the PHN with proper emergency preparedness training by the incorporation of a sheltering manual through the implementation of policies and procedures is an important role for the PHN administrator. The aim of this evidence-based practice (EBP) change project was to increase PHN emergency disaster preparedness knowledge and competency during events. This was accomplished with an emergency preparedness-training program that included a pre/post survey, disaster education and drills, and skill competency check-offs. The population consisted of 69 PHN’s employed at an Eastern North Carolina Public Health Department. The results from the EBP change project showed participants scored a mean pretest score of 65% (range 30% to 90%). Post education and drill completion participants scored a mean of 90% (range 80% to 100%). The percent difference between the pretest and posttest was 25% indicating that knowledge was gained. All participates (N=69) successfully completed the skill competency check-offs.