Gretchen Kyle Wallace
Abstract: "R.N.'s For Kids": Recovery Networks for Children After Disasters
In 2005, the United States suffered the most severe and tragic hurricane season in decades. Many organizations are working to ensure relief efforts are being utilized and that strategies to prepare for future storms are implemented. Children cannot be forgotten in this plan. Therefore, as a senior nursing student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, I have developed a project to ensure that children understand the effects of hurricanes, can freely express their emotions about loss, and learn prevention and preparedness strategies. The intervention is an activity/coloring book meant for a first- and second-grade audience. Nurses have a very influential role in implementing interventions to empower families for the future. "R.N.'s for Kids": Recovery Networks for Children After Disasters explains to children the importance of disaster preparedness and expression of emotions during difficult times. Presenting the program in a school offers a great opportunity for children to learn more about hurricane preparedness and relief in a way children can more easily understand. Parents are an important audience for this intervention as well so they can continue to teach their children regarding disasters. Parents have the ability to expand upon the intervention by developing a family plan to prepare children should a hurricane strike near their home. Being well-prepared for a natural disaster can dramatically decrease the adverse mental and emotional side effects children suffer after tragic disasters.
