disaster relief training for a new RN

Nurses General Nursing

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I NEED HELP! I have dedicated the last week to finding as much information on Disaster Relief Training that I could. I understand that there are numerous different Relief organizations; however, I am having a difficult time gaining good amounts of direct knowledge on the particular organizations even from their websites. I'm not sure which organization is best suited for me, but I do want to register with the one I can work with and that can work with my situation. I have just received my RN license in Missouri and understand that training for Disaster Relief is a MUST! I want to find the best organization I can receive training through, and I am willing to travel to attain such. I just need a blatant arrow with neon flashing lights pointing me in the right direction with a phone contact in hand so I can get the correct information (when, where, what classes). I really want to help while I can... I will not be looking for a permanent job until my husband deploys in a few months which gives me the time to travel for training. I would like to have this training finished by time he leaves or shortly after. So if anyone is a part of such an organization, can you help me???

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Have you looked into The Red Cross?

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Specializes in ED, CTSurg, IVTeam, Oncology.

I would contact your local American Red Cross as a good place to start. Even if they can't use you (rare) they probably have lots on info on where else you can find this type of training with.

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I have checked the ARC website but it doesn't give clear information at all and I cannot find a ARC location within 100 miles of where I live (which happens to be the max for search radius on their site). If I could get a hold of a location that did offer it i could hopefully get more info from them. However, if anyone has info on National Nurses United, Healthcare Disaster Volunteers, National Disaster Medical System it would be lovely to gain some knowledge.

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

Get cross trained into the ER or get certified as an EMT, in addition to nursing. That will hook you up with everyone local. In a true mass casualty or disaster, EMS/fire/police are the ones in charge, so that's who you want to know. A national anything is going to want someone with ER/EMS experience...unless you want to sit down and answer phones, which would make me run screaming...

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Specializes in Occupational Health; Adult ICU.

There are many options including Red Cross. I'd suggest calling your State Government and finding Disaster Response then contact them. Generally each state now has a network and all offer training starting with basic stuff. Once there, you'll gravitate in the direction that suits you.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care, Cardiac Ca.

I volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps, which is a national organization through the US government with local chapters that does trainings, interfaces with Red Cross, local tertiary care centers and other NGOs to deliver disaster care and mass immunization clinics during epidemics. the trainings are great, and if another Big Earthquake hits, I feel like I'll have something to contribute. MRC volunteers were HUGELY instrumental in the 9/11 recovery process, and have done work abroad. Check them out!

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

http://www.marc.org/emergency/DMT/

I think this is what you are looking for.

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Specializes in Corrections.

OP,

Hello! I served two years on the AmeriCorps Emergency Response Team in St. Louis. The great thing about my two years volunteering, was the connections! SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency) is a great start to look for disaster preparedness. They love nurses. lol

Check out: https://showmeresponse.org/ That is a Missouri State registry for licensed or certified healthcare professions in the State of Missouri. It is a good connection to get your name in the door for disaster response. I am registered as a Medical Assistant. (LPN student now)

Also, look with Department of Health and Senior Services. http://health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/index.php They hold a majority of disaster response responsibilities. Get your connections going!! They are always looking for licensed nurses in disaster response/ preparedness!!!

Welcome to the world of disaster response!! I have served on at least 15 major disasters. Excited to finish nursing school and now perform in a nursing capacity! Good Luck!

Sheryl

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Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.
http://www.mo1dmat.org/
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