Disaster Relief and Response in Oregon

This study away/abroad course is designed for students to develop not only a comprehensive understanding and practical foundation for nursing of the causes, mitigation, and response to disasters, but also insight into the disaster management system locally and/or internationally. The course will be held internationally and within the United States. Lecture content targets information central to emergency preparedness, disaster planning and response, weapons of mass destruction, and mass casualty care.
Objectives include:

• Understand the elements of disaster preparation and response
• Recognize the cultural and behavioral dimensions of health within the context of disasters in the local setting
• Demonstrate critical thinking in awareness, preparation, and application of disaster response and management on a personal, local, and international level
• Understand the implementation of evidence-based, holistic, and cost effective planning for disaster and mass casualty situations
• Understand the global burden of disasters and its effect on social determinants of health, disease, and health disparities
• Discuss ethical dilemmas encountered in disaster settings