Scrubbs

you mean there are nurses that actually have time to EAT???!!! I want a job there! All in all, it is what you make it.

I didn't know if anyone has heard of if, but another good source both for disaster preparedness, and pandemic planning is at the Center for Domestic Preparedness website. http://cdp.dhs.gov/resident/pipp.html The training there is free for responders, and medical staff. I attended, and was very impressed. They cover the airfare, room and board, and all you have to do is attend class. The pandemic class is hard to get into, but well worth the effort. There are also very good classes in disaster/incident command, Types of incident awareness instructor, HazMat, Decontamination. When I attended, I was the only hospital staff in the entire group. It just goes to show how badly we need to brush up on our training.

Wait, so by what this article says (it will be on the wall in my ED tomorrow, by the way), then the inpatient units aren't putting us off, they just "Aren't Ready" to take report. Whew, what a relief! I thought they just didn't like me. haha

Manch, I am a male RN that started out as a EMT/Paramedic. I also spent my time in the trenches at times as an clinical assistant (same as CNA). One option you might want to look into is an EMT program. It will give you a leg up in experience as well as round out your image in the interview process. I know it requires more work (probably six months), but in the long run I found that the time spent was well worth it. I did some time in nursing homes over the years, so I can appreciate your frustration.

Hi everyone. I'm new to this site, but thought I would try to add a bit. I work with developing disaster preparedness plans for ER's as well as for communities in remote areas. In addition to these great ideas already mentioned, check with your local regional Town, City, State for their disaster protocol. Do they have a POD system for pandemic situations? They might also have medical logistic trailers which mobilize as area clinics. Sort of like a little field hospital. In a couple of hospitals we have worked through, they have allowed the ED staff to use a limited amount of supplies (dressings, and related items) from their PAR levels to stock personal kits. This enabled the nurses from that facility to not only be for their families, they could also help small groups (i.e. neighbors). You would be surprised how this may help in keeping surge numbers down during an event. Speaking of which, do your areas have back up surge facility plans? I also had a question for anyone that works with the Hospital Incident Command Structure (HICS). Can anyone tell me what their particular areas require as far as training in ICS? I am looking for references that I can give to one of my disaster planners who needs umm... redirection in his planning, but would like to give them some direct reference from others besides myself. Thanks