Citation

Lavin R, Goodwin Veenema T, Calvert WJ, Grigsby SR, Cobbina J. Nurs. Adm. Q. 2017; 41(2): 164-169.

Affiliation

College of Nursing, University of Missouri-St Louis (Drs Lavin and Calvert and Ms Grigsby); Department of Community and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Goodwin Veenema); Center for Refugee and Disaster Response, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Goodwin Veenema); and School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, East Lansing (Dr Cobbina).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000223

PMID

28263274

Abstract

Inequalities in society, culture, and finance have resulted in civil unrest, rioting, and intentional violence throughout our history. Nowhere is this currently more apparent than in the cities of Ferguson and Baltimore. It is not the civil unrest itself, but the resulting rioting and intentional violence that can create a disaster situation. This increases the care burden of health care providers during times when the governmental structure may be overwhelmed or functioning in a less than optimal manner. Beginning with the death of Michael Brown, civil unrest over the last 2 years has necessitated a closer examination of the role nurse leaders play in preparing their staff and facilities for potential results of this civil unrest. The similarities between the results of rioting and violence and natural disaster are obvious, but the differences are significant. Without adequate preparation, providers may not offer the appropriate response. Attention to the 10 "musts" for preparedness for civil unrest will facilitate a planning process and provide for a better response and recovery when communities face these issues.

Language: en