Citation

Goodhue CJ, Burke RV, Ferrer RR, Chokshi NK, Dorey F, Upperman JS. J. Pediatr. Health Care 2012; 26(4): e7-e20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pedhc.2010.11.003

PMID

22726719

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) reporting to work in the event of a disaster. METHODS: An anonymous national survey of PNPs was conducted. Several domains were explored, including demographics, personal preparedness plans, disaster training, prior disaster experience, and likelihood of responding in the event of a disaster. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors were associated with the respondent's likelihood of responding in the event of a disaster. RESULTS: Factors associated with increased likelihood of responding included gender (being a male PNP), military experience, and disaster training. The most significant factor associated with an increased likelihood of responding to work during a disaster was having a specified role in the workplace disaster plan. PNPs with a specified role were three times more likely to respond than were those without a specified role. CONCLUSIONS: PNPs are health care workers with advanced skill sets. This untapped resource is available to provide care for a vulnerable population: our children. Disaster planners should explore the possibility of utilizing these highly skilled health care workers in their disaster plans.

Language: en