Communication nursing competency

Finally, there is an opportunity to explore the impact of the provider-client relationship at the community level. In many communities, providers are known— particularly nurses—as neighbors and friends. One example of a community-level research intervention may be to explore ways to use nurses (as providers) in communities as resource persons with linkages to hospitals and other health care delivery agencies in disaster drills. Of course, this again would require some agreement and standards of practice defining the level (s) of competencies in disaster preparedness (which may be the first research question that needs to be explored). 

Recognize the need for the continued development of a public health nursing workforce as the best way to assure compassionate, competent care of disaster victims, theirfamilies, and the community-at-large. 

If we know what the competencies are, then how can the public health nurse demonstrate his or her readiness to apply their skills in an emergency response scenario Typically, the medical and nursing communities have voiced their willingness to step up to the plate in a response effort. However, Health Affairs has reported that although there is a willingness to do so—80% of those surveyed—there is an identified knowledge and skills gap voiced by those surveyed revealing that only 20% feel that they have the necessary skills to be effective [Health Affairs, September-October 2003) in an all-hazards event. 

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