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Career Development Denise Alexander, BS, MA
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When disaster strikes and panic ensues, a group of heroes always emerge to save the day. But these heroes don't wear capes. Instead, they wear scrubs, wield stethoscopes and possess a unique set of qualities that transform them into lifesaving disaster-ready nurses.
Disasters, whether natural or man-made, call upon these extraordinary individuals to rise to the occasion. We’ve seen everything from tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes to multiple “once-in-a-generation" storms and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each time, nurses are among the first to arrive, the last to leave and the ones who can be entrusted to put on a brave face and confidently lead us through even the most chaotic situations. As a nurse, you won’t possess superpowers, but that makes your willingness to be calm, strong leaders in dangerous and trying times an even more heroic act.
Whether you’re already a registered nurse or just exploring the idea of joining this impactful profession, here are some of the key capabilities you need to have in your skillset to be the best you can be and the nurse we’ll all want at our side when disasters strike.
To be effective in these situations, nurses should embody the following qualities:
Beyond their exceptional skills, these nurses must navigate the intricate landscape of disaster types, each with its own unique set of demands and complexities, including:
Nurses also play a vital part in the recovery phase, working with communities to rebuild healthcare infrastructure and provide emotional support to those affected. Their tireless efforts often extend beyond the initial disaster, as they help people cope with trauma and rebuild their lives.
At Herzing University, we understand the profound impact that skilled and compassionate nurses make all the time, but especially in times of disaster. Our nursing programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and qualities necessary to become a hero to your community. As a nurse, you can make a difference when the world needs it most.
BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.
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