The project also helped foster stronger connections between the ODU nursing program and local partners, including the Virginia Department of Health and Portsmouth Disaster Response. It was encouraging to see how our partners appreciated our involvement and expressed an openness to future collaborations. This initiative offered a unique opportunity to step outside our traditional clinical settings. It allowed us to witness firsthand how nursing can create a profound impact within the community, reinforcing that being a nurse extends beyond bedside care to include education, prevention, and empowering individuals to feel prepared and supported in diverse situations.
One insight we gained from the project was that older adults are often overlooked in general emergency planning. Many seniors had not developed a personal plan or considered who might assist them during an evacuation. They also voiced concerns about providing for pets during emergencies— a critical gap that our initial materials had not fully addressed. These findings strongly emphasize the need for targeted outreach and more inclusive planning efforts.
Lessons Learned
This disaster preparedness project proved to be a profoundly meaningful learning experience, illuminating both the strengths and challenges inherent in community-focused initiatives. A key lesson we learned was the critical importance of clear and consistent communication, both within our team and with our community partners. Another major insight was the complexity of disaster preparedness. From assessing community needs, interpreting local and national guidelines, and customizing educational materials. we learned that preparedness isn ' t only about distributing kits. It ' s also about building trust, offering culturally relevant education, and empowering people to act. We also deepened our understanding of evacuation procedures and how systemic barriers, such as limited transportation and financial constraints, can impact a community ' s ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
Overall, this project strengthened our appreciation for community nursing and the profound impact of grassroots public health efforts. It underscored the ongoing need for nurses to serve not only at the bedside but also as educators, advocates, and organizers, particularly in communities where disaster preparedness is both a health equity and a safety issue.
Leadership Development
Leadership plays a crucial role in healthcare, especially within the community, where nurses are uniquely positioned to identify health disparities and advocate for initiatives that enhance well-being and increase access to care and resources. As nursing students preparing to enter the profession, this project equipped us with critical skills in budget allocation, organization, collaboration, and communication. We further reinforced other vital qualities of a nurse leader, including communicating effectively, teaching, delegating, and making an ongoing commitment to engage in issues pertinent to the health of our communities.
40 NSNA Imprint