Hurricane Disaster Relief Requires Travel Nurses

Summary

• A faith-based health and human services organization with locations and programs in the U.S. as well as Eastern Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa
• Contracted by the state of Texas to provide Medical Special Needs shelters in times of disaster
• FASTAFF provided more than 183 nurses during a two-month period following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike

An Unconventional Request for Nurses Brings Dozens of FASTAFF Nurses to Texas to Provide Support and Relief Following Hurricane Ike

When Hurricanes Gustav and Ike ravaged the southeastern coast of Texas at the height of hurricane season, millions were left without power, food and clean water. The Texas Governor’s Division of Emergency Management activated Baptist Child & Family Services (BCFS) to care for up to 3,000 medical special need evacuees. During times of disaster, shelters temporarily house people who require basic medical attention, such as a care giver, medical support or monitoring, or require extensive equipment. This type of care is not adequately available in general population shelters. Evacuees may be individuals with an acute illness or considered mentally fragile. These are the populations that BCFS was charged with caring for in the aftermath of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Even with extensive disaster relief experience, Hurricane Ike posed new challenges. The region was already taxed from previous storms, and additional medical staff in were needed in Texas to care for evacuees in BCFS shelters.

With a reputation for staffing urgent needs in emergency and disaster situations, BCFS contacted FASTAFF. Living up to its reputation, FASTAFF sent its first 50 nurses to the region within 48 hours of the request. In all, FASTAFF provided 183 nurses over two months to BCFS to assist with the disaster relief projects the organization led.

FASTAFF nurses are usually placed on assignments that are specific to their specialty whether it be Critical Care, Emergency, Labor & Delivery or another area of specialization. However, in Texas, FASTAFF nurses staffed BCFS triage units in shelters and cared for pediatric and adult evacuees. With maintaining the general medical health of patients a top priority, the nurses were asked to do whatever was needed to ensure appropriate care for evacuees. Some were charged with acting as charge nurses, while others were assigned as a basic care giver.

FASTAFF nurses are used to responding to assignments quickly and being thrown into unfamiliar environments. The assignment was testament to the flexibility, professionalism and qualifications of FASTAFF nurses. FASTAFF was proud to have been able to assist BCFS in staffing the shelters with medical personnel, helping to assure that all hurricane victims who needed care, received it.

About FASTAFF

Since 1989, FASTAFF has been staffing acute-care facilities with highly trained, top-quality nurses in a variety of specialties. FASTAFF responds with as little as 48-hours notice to crucial and urgent healthcare needs. FASTAFF has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, showing our commitment to continuous improvement and quality services. For more information about how FASTAFF can assist your facility, contact us at www.fastaff.com or 888-859-8687.