Office of Nursing

Accomplishments and Challenges
2003-2008

Accomplishments: Emergency Preparedness

  • Developed the policy, The Role of the PHN in Caring for Persons with Special Needs during Disasters and Emergencies, effective June 1, 2006, and provided leadership and clarification regarding the implementation of this policy.
  • Established a chart of specific tasks for PHN roles during disasters and emergencies which will be used to guide nurse training.
  • Provided leadership in conducting a national survey through the Association of State and Territorial Directors of Nursing (ASTDN—nursing affiliate of ASTHO) that produced recommendations regarding the role of PHN in Emergency Preparedness. Coordinated the development of the ASTDN position paper, Role of the Public Health Nurse in Emergency Preparedness and Response, presented at the American Nurses Association Quadrennial Policy Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, June 20-22, 2007.
  • Developed Guidelines for the Care of Persons with Special Needs during Disasters and Emergencies and currently providing ongoing leadership, technical assistance and clarification regarding the implementation and use of these standards.
  • Initiated and collaborated with district nursing leaders, county nurse managers, emergency coordinators and EMAs to develop a list of the top 5 Emergency Preparedness Competencies for PHNs in Georgia.
  • Coordinating revision of the Protocol Manual for Biological and Chemical Agents (underway).
  • Creating Pandemic Influenza Guidance for Homeless Shelters document with input from relevant DHR sections, the Governor’s Homelessness Council, and several homeless agency collaboratives.
  • Spearheading the RAD/PPE Working Group to formulate a PH policy/procedure for set-up and staffing of Patient Reception Centers, and the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Participated in the ongoing development and revision of the Division’s emergency preparedness plans, including the plans for the care of special needs populations, the EOP, Continuity of Operations, Airport – Infectious Disease and Pandemic Influenza plans.
  • Participated in the design and implementation of emergency response trainings, exercises and drills, pandemic flu trainings, tabletop exercises and planning sessions with community partners. All Nursing Section staff members have completed ISC 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800.
  • During Katrina, we worked closely with the Georgia Board of Nursing (BON) and assisted in the development of a BON policy that enabled a quick turnaround for getting nurses licensed in the affected states to be authorized to practice in Georgia. Those nurses were a big help to us working as volunteers in the shelters and service centers. We continued collaborating with the BON to develop a policy, Out-of-State Licensed Professional Nurses Practicing in Established Healthcare Systems in Georgia during an Emergency/Disaster, which was approved by the BON on May 14, 2008.
  • Established the Public Health Nursing Executive Leadership Emergency Preparedness Committee that approves nursing policy and guidelines and addresses other issues that affect PHN practice during emergencies and disasters.
  • Participated in Georgia Disabilities Working Group to develop a manual for first responders. Continue to work with this group in its efforts to assist in developing standards for shelter accessibility, and planning for the staffing of special needs shelters.
  • Invited to present on Volunteers and volunteering: who, what and where, American Nurses Quadrennial Policy Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, June 20-22, 2007.
  • Poster presentation at the American Nurses Quadrennial Policy Conference in partnership with DHR’s Office of Emergency Preparedness on Altered Standards of Care, June 20-22, 2007.

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