Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

This program was developed at the Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response at a school of Nursing. The importance of training and educating health care providers in emergency preparedness and disaster response, and the need for cultural sensitivity in disasters has been well documented in the literature. The strengthening of the current state of emergency preparedness among health care professionals in Louisiana is still necessary twelve years after Hurricane Katrina. The training programs provide leadership, management skills, and policy development focused specifically on culturally competent nursing care during emergencies and disasters. The training programs are designed using various online and distance learning modalities as well as face-to-face educational programs for undergraduate and graduate student nurses and practicing registered nurses. Three core courses and ten specialty courses focus on increasing knowledge, understanding, and judgment to minimize health hazards and life-threatening damage to vulnerable populations during disasters. Courses offered online use materials to disseminate best practices on emergency preparedness and disaster management with the outcome of developing leaders that can create work environments that are educated on culturally competent interventions using a all hazards approach. Participation in the programs prepare nurses to lead and transform the health care delivery system through training, research, and utilization of resources and technology. The project directly impacts the Preparedness objective outlined in Healthy People 2020.