ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the history of nursing as well as the history of nursing related specifically to disasters. It explores the roles nurses play in emergency management of disasters and the current challenges nurses face when responding in these situations. Just as a long history of disasters shaped the development of the nursing profession, current challenges continue to highlight the contributions of nurses during extreme situations. Wilkinson et al. have identified the following roles in nursing that can apply to all settings and specialties of nursing practice, including disasters: direct care provider, communicator, educator, advocate, counselor, change agent, leader, manager, case manager, and research consumer. During disasters, the shortage of adequate physical, human, and intellectual resources presents challenges to nurses. Natural disasters, wars, terrorism, and pandemics all serve as opportunities for nursing to contribute to response efforts and to further the reputation of being the most trusted profession.
